The Rest Frame Ultraviolet Spectra of UV-Selected Active Galactic Nuclei at z ~ 2-3

Abstract

We present new results for a sample of 33 narrow-lined UV-selected active galactic nuclei (AGNs), identified in the course of a spectroscopic survey for star-forming galaxies at z ~ 2-3. The rest-frame UV composite spectrum for our AGN sample shows several emission lines characteristic of AGNs, as well as interstellar absorption features seen in star-forming Lyman Break Galaxies (LBGs). We report a detection of NIV]1486, which has been observed in high-redshift radio galaxies, as well as in rare optically-selected quasars. The UV continuum slope of the composite spectrum is significantly redder than that of a sample of non-AGN UV-selected star forming galaxies. Blueshifted SiIV absorption provides evidence for outflowing highly-ionized gas in these objects at speeds of ~ 10^(3) km/s, quantitatively different from what is seen in the outflows of non-AGN LBGs. Grouping the individual AGNs by parameters such as Ly-alpha equivalent width, redshift, and UV continuum magnitude allows for an analysis of the major spectroscopic trends within the sample. Stronger Ly-alpha emission is coupled with weaker low-ionization absorption, which is similar to what is seen in the non-AGN LBGs, and highlights the role that cool interstellar gas plays in the escape of Ly-alpha photons. However, the AGN composite does not show the same trends between Ly-alpha strength and extinction seen in the non-AGN LBGs. These results represent the first such comparison at high-redshift between star-forming galaxies and similar galaxies that host AGN activity.

13 pages, 6 figures, accepted by ApJ

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