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How the effects of resonant absorption on black hole reflection spectra can mimic high-velocity outflows
Article first published online: 29 SEP 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-3933.2011.01143.x
© 2011 The Authors Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society © 2011 RAS
Issue
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Volume 418, Issue 1, pages L59–L63, November 2011
Additional Information
How to Cite
Gallo, L. C. and Fabian, A. C. (2011), How the effects of resonant absorption on black hole reflection spectra can mimic high-velocity outflows. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters, 418: L59–L63. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-3933.2011.01143.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 10 NOV 2011
- Article first published online: 29 SEP 2011
- Accepted 2011 August 24. Received 2011 August 24; in original form 2011 August 11
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Keywords:
- accretion, accretion discs;
- black hole physics;
- line: formation;
- line: identification;
- relativistic processes;
- galaxies: active
ABSTRACT
Narrow absorption lines seen in the 2–10 keV spectra of active galaxies and Galactic black holes are normally attributed to iron in high-velocity outflows or inflows. We consider the possibility that such features could arise naturally in the accretion disc. Resonant absorption by highly ionized iron (e.g. Fe xxvi and Fe xxv) in an optically thin plasma that is located above the disc and rotating with it could reproduce narrow features in the reflection component of the spectrum as it emerges from the disc. Depending on the inclination of the disc and the exact geometry of the hot plasma (e.g. whether it blanket the disc or a ring), apparently narrow absorption features could be detected between 4 and 10 keV. Such an explanation requires no high-velocity outflow/inflow and is consistent with a reflection-based interpretation for accreting black holes systems.