Diagnostics of Quasar Broad Absorption Line Geometry: X-Ray Observations and Two-dimensional Optical Spectroscopy

Abstract

A new generation of sensitive X-ray measurements are indicating that the existence of X-ray attenuation column densities, , is quite common among broad absorption line quasars (BALQSOs). This is significant 24 Ϫ2 N 1 10 cm H to the geometry of the broad absorption line (BAL) outflow. In particular, such an X-ray shield also shields equatorial accretion disk winds from the UV, thereby preventing high-velocity equatorial outflows from being launched. By contrast, bipolar winds initiated by continuum radiation pressure from the funnel of a slim accretion disk flare outward (like a trumpet) and offer vastly different absorbing columns to the X-ray and UV emission that are emitted from distinct regions of the disk, ∼6M and ∼10M-40M, respectively (where M is the radius of the black hole). Recent numerical work indicates that it is also possible to launch bipolar outflows from the inner regions of a thin disk. The recent discovery with VLBI that the Galactic analog of a BALQSO, the X-ray binary Circinus X-1 (with high-velocity P Cygni X-ray absorption lines), is viewed virtually along the radio jet axis (and therefore along the spin axis of the black hole and the normal to the accretion disk) has rekindled interest in the bipolar models of BALQSOs. We explore this possibility by studying the nearest BALQSO, Mrk 231. High-resolution two-dimensional optical spectroscopy and VLBI mappings of the radio jet axis indicate that the BAL outflow is parallel to the parsec-scale radio jet.

GEMINI 3D spectroscopy of BAL + IR + Fe ii QSOs - I. Decoupling the BAL, QSO, starburst, NLR, supergiant bubbles and galactic wind in Mrk 231

“…Specifically, these two models predict some very simple and clear effects (see for a discussion of this point Murray et al 1995; Punsly 1999a,b; Proga, Stone & Kallman 2000a; Punsly & Lípari 2005). Here, we present a summary of the most clear prediction of these two AGN models.…”

“… To study BALs associated with composite QSOs: AGN + starburst (with jet + accretions discs, shells). Specifically, to study in detail our finding that some BALs systems are linked with: (1) bipolar OF probably generated by subrelativistic jets (Lípari et al 2005; Punsly & Lípari 2005) and (2) supergiant explosive events, probably associated with hypernovae (Lípari et al 2005). Our purpose is to study the spatial distribution, and the kinematics and physical properties of the ionized gas, stars and dust, all of which provide information about the evolutionary conditions of the interstellar medium (ISM) and the possible origins of extreme star formation and explosive processes. To investigate the presence, properties, origin and importance of GWs, stellar populations and giant explosions in BAL + IR + Fe ii QSOs/mergers.In particular, it is important to study in detail the host galaxies of BAL + IR QSOs, specially the presence of GWs, young stellar populations [with Wolf–Rayet (WR) features, etc.…”

“…To study BALs associated with composite QSOs: AGN + starburst (with jet + accretions discs, shells). Specifically, to study in detail our finding that some BALs systems are linked with: (1) bipolar OF probably generated by subrelativistic jets (Lípari et al 2005; Punsly & Lípari 2005) and (2) supergiant explosive events, probably associated with hypernovae (Lípari et al 2005).…”

Polar Outflows in Six Broad Absorption Line Quasars

“…In objects with L/L Edd P 0:2%-1%, the wind becomes equatorial or cannot fully develop. The possible existence of bipolar disk winds in quasars was explored by Punsly & Lipari (2005), and in the nearest BAL quasar, Mrk 231, evidence has been found that the BAL outflow is parallel to the parsec-scale radio jet. Reichard et al (2003b) found an uncorrected fraction of 14:0% AE 1:0% of BAL quasars in the SDSS EDR within the redshift range 1:7 z 3:4, whereas Menou et al (2001) found that this fraction falls to 3:3% AE 1:1% among those quasars with FIRST detection.…”

XMM-Newton Observations of Broad Absorption Line Quasars with Polar Outflows

“…However, recent numerical work ini ∼ 60Њ dicates that it is also plausible to launch bipolar outflows from the inner regions of a thin disk (e.g., Punsly 1999; Proga & Kallman 2004). There is growing observational evidence indicating the existence of polar BAL outflows (e.g., Punsly & Lipari 2005;Ghosh & Punsly 2007;Zhou et al 2006;Becker et al 2000; Barvainis & Lonsdale 1997;Jiang & Wang 2003).…”