paper

Searching for the Physical Drivers of the Eigenvector 1 Correlation Space

arXiv:astro-ph/0105343 · doi:10.1086/322286

Abstract

[Latex markup removed] We recently discussed an Eigenvector 1 (E1) parameter space that provides optimal discrimination between the principal classes of broad-line Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). In this paper we begin a search for the most important physical parameters that are likely to govern correlations and data point distribution in E1 space. We focus on the principal optical parameter plane involving the width of the H-beta broad component and the equivalent width ratio between the FeII blend at 4570 A and H-beta broad component. We show that the observed correlation for radio-quiet sources can be accounted for if it is primarily driven by the ratio of AGN luminosity to black hole mass (L/M proportional to Eddington ratio) convolved with source orientation. L/M apparently drives the radio-quiet correlation only for FWHM(H-beta) < 4000 km/s which includes Narrow Line Seyfert 1 (NLSy1) galaxies and can be said to define an AGN ``main sequence.'' Source orientation plays an increasingly important role as FWHM(H-beta) increases. We also argue that AGN lying outside the radio-quiet ``main sequence,'' and specifically those with optical FeII much stronger than expected for a given FWHM(H-beta), may all be Broad Absorption Line QSOs.

4 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal

Cited by in corpus (120)