A magnetic reconnection origin for the soft X-ray excess in AGN

Abstract

We present a new scenario to explain the soft X-ray excess in Active Galactic Nucleus. The magnetic reconnection could happen in a thin layer on the surface of accretion disk. Electrons are accelerated by shock wave and turbulence triggered by magnetic reconnection, then they take place inverse Compton scattering above accretion disk which contributes soft X-rays. Based on standard disk model, we estimate the magnetic field strength and the energy released by magnetic reconnection along accretion disk, and find that the luminosity caused by magnetic reconnection mainly emits in the inner disk which is dominated by radiation pressure. We then apply the model to fit the spectra of AGNs with strong soft X-ray excess.

arXiv comment22 pages, 7 figures, Accepted by ApJ

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• Joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of the reflection spectrum of III Zw 2
• The contribution of bulk Comptonization to the soft X-ray excess in AGN
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