Models of the iron K_alpha fluorescence line and the Compton shoulder in irradiated accretion disk spectra

2008/04/08 by A. Różáńska, Agata Różańska, Różańska, Agata +3
Decision Sciences · Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation #Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations #Scientific Measurement and Uncertainty Evaluation #astro-ph

paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.0804.1232

10 pages, 8 Postscript figures, accepted to MNRAS

arxiv created 2008/04/08 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01

Abstract

We present a full set of model atmosphere equations for the accretion disk around a supermassive black hole irradiated by hard X-ray lamp of power-law spectral distribution. Model equations allow for multiple Compton scattering of radiation on free electrons, and for large relative photon-electron energy exchange at the time of scattering. We present spectra in specific intensities integrated over the disk surface. Theoretical outgoing intensity spectra show soft X-ray excess below 1 keV, and distinct K_alpha and K_beta fluorescent lines of iron. We demonstrate the existence of the Compton Shoulder and claim that it can contribute to the asymmetry and equivalent widths of some observed Fe K_alpha lines in AGN. Our models exhibit the effect of limb-brightening in reflected X-rays.

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