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Article overview
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Iron lines from transient and persisting hot spots on AGN accretion disk | R. W. Goosmann
; M. Mouchet
; B. Czerny
; M. Dovciak
; V. Karas
; A. Rozanska
; A.-M. Dumont
; | Date: |
10 Sep 2007 | Abstract: | [abridged] We model the X-ray reprocessing from a strong co-rotating flare
above an accretion disk in active galactic nuclei. We explore the horizontal
structure and evolution of the underlying hot spot. To obtain the spectral
evolution seen by a distant observer, we apply a general relativity ray-tracing
technique. We concentrate on the energy band around the iron K-line, where the
relativistic effects are most pronounced. Persistent flares lasting for a
significant fraction of the orbital time scale and short, transient flares are
considered. In our time-resolved analysis, the spectra recorded by a distant
observer depend on the position of the flare/spot with respect to the central
black hole. If the flare duration significantly exceeds the light travel time
across the spot, then the spot horizontal stratification is unimportant. On the
other hand, if the flare duration is comparable to the light travel time across
the spot radius, the lightcurves exhibit a typical asymmetry in their time
profiles. The sequence of dynamical spectra proceeds from more strongly to less
strongly ionized re-emission. At all locations within the spot the spectral
intensity increases towards edge-on emission angles, revealing the limb
brightening effect. Future X-ray observatories with significantly larger
effective collecting areas will enable to spectroscopically map out the
azimuthal irradiation structure of the accretion disk and to localize
persistent flares. If the hot spot is not located too close to the marginally
stable orbit of the black hole, it will be possible to probe the reflecting
medium via the sub-structure of the iron K-line. Indications for transient
flares will only be obtained from analyzing the observed lightcurves on the
gravitational time scale of the accreting supermassive black hole. | Source: | arXiv, 0709.1356 | Services: | Forum | Review | PDF | Favorites |
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