AGN Physics and Future Spectroscopic Surveys
Published:Dec 30, 2025 12:42
•1 min read
•ArXiv
Analysis
This paper proposes a science case for future wide-field spectroscopic surveys to understand the connection between accretion disk, X-ray corona, and ionized outflows in Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). It highlights the importance of studying the non-linear Lx-Luv relation and deviations from it, using various emission lines and CGM nebulae as probes of the ionizing spectral energy distribution (SED). The paper's significance lies in its forward-looking approach, outlining the observational strategies and instrumental requirements for a future ESO facility in the 2040s, aiming to advance our understanding of AGN physics.
Key Takeaways
- •The paper focuses on connecting accretion disk and X-ray corona physics with nebular regions and CGM.
- •It emphasizes the importance of the Lx-Luv relation and deviations from it.
- •The study proposes using emission lines and CGM nebulae to probe the ionizing SED.
- •It outlines observational strategies including UV/optical spectroscopy, time-domain reverberation mapping, X-ray coverage, and IFU mapping.
- •The paper derives requirements for a future ESO facility in the 2040s: a wide-field, high-multiplex spectroscopic telescope with time-domain and IFU capabilities.
Reference
“The paper proposes to use broad and narrow line emission and CGM nebulae as calorimeters of the ionising SED to trace different accretion "states".”