X-ray spectroscopy of quasi-stellar objects with broad ultraviolet absorption lines

S. C. Gallagher, W. N. Brandt, G. Chartas, G. P. Garmire

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

149 Scopus citations

Abstract

For the population of quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) with broad ultraviolet absorption lines, we are just beginning to accumulate X-ray observations with enough counts for spectral analysis at CCD resolution. From a sample of eight QSOs (including four broad absorption line [BAL] QSOs and three mini-BAL QSOs) with ASCA or Chandra spectra with more than 200 counts, general patterns are emerging. Their power-law X-ray continua are typical of normal QSOs with Γ ≈ 2.0, and the signatures of a significant column density [N H ≈ (0.1-4) × 1023 cm2] of intrinsic, absorbing gas are clear. Correcting the X-ray spectra for intrinsic absorption recovers a normal ultraviolet-to-X-ray flux ratio, indicating that the spectral energy distributions of this population are not inherently anomalous. In addition, a large fraction of our sample shows significant evidence for complexity in the absorption. The subset of BAL QSOs with broad Mg II absorption apparently suffers from Compton-thick absorption completely obscuring the direct continuum in the 2-10 keV X-ray band, complicating any measurement of their intrinsic X-ray spectral shapes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)37-41
Number of pages5
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume567
Issue number1 I
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2002

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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