Average Quasar Spectra in the Context of Eigenvector 1
Abstract
[LaTeX removed] Recent work has shown that it is possible to systematize quasar spectral diversity in a parameter space called ``Eigenvector 1'' (E1). We present median AGN spectra for fixed regions of the E1 (optical) parameter space (FWHM(H-beta) vs. equivalent width ratio RFE=W(FeII4570)/W(H-beta). Comparison of the median spectra for different regions show considerable differences. We suggest that an E1-driven approach to median/average spectra emphasizes significant differences between AGN, and offers more insights into AGN physics and dynamics than a single population median/average derived from a large and heterogeneous sample of sources. We find that the H-beta broad component line profile changes in shape along the E1 sequence both in average centroid shift and asymmetry. While objects with FWHM(H-beta)< 4000 km/s are well fitted by a Lorentz function, AGN with FWHM(H-beta)> 4000 km/s are well fitted if two broad line components are used: a broad (the "classical" broad line component) and a very broad/redshifted component.
Cite
@article{arxiv.astro-ph/0201362,
title = {Average Quasar Spectra in the Context of Eigenvector 1},
author = {J. W. Sulentic and P. Marziani and R. Zamanov and R. Bachev and M. Calvani and D. Dultzin-Hacyan},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:astro-ph/0201362},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
1 table + 3 figures, accepted for publication in ApJL