The origin of blue-shifted absorption features in the X-ray spectrum of PG 1211+143: Outflow or disc?. (arXiv:1306.3404v1 [astro-ph.HE])

The origin of blue-shifted absorption features in the X-ray spectrum of PG 1211+143: Outflow or disc?. (arXiv:1306.3404v1 [astro-ph.HE]):
In some radio-quiet active galaxies (AGN), high-energy absorption features in
the x-ray spectra have been interpreted as Ultrafast Outflows (UFOs) -- highly
ionised material (e.g. Fe XXV and Fe XXVI) ejected at mildly relativistic
velocities. In some cases, these outflows can carry energy in excess of the
binding energy of the host galaxy. Needless to say, these features demand our
attention as they are strong signatures of AGN feedback and will influence
galaxy evolution. For the same reason, alternative models need to be discussed
and refuted or confirmed. Gallo & Fabian proposed that some of these features
could arise from resonance absorption of the reflected spectrum in a layer of
ionised material located above and corotating with the accretion disc.
Therefore, the absorbing medium would be subjected to similar blurring effects
as seen in the disc. A priori, the existence of such plasma above the disc is
as plausible as a fast wind. In this work, we highlight the ambiguity by
demonstrating that the absorption model can describe the ~7.6 keV absorption
feature (and possibly other features) in the quasar PG 1211+143, an AGN that is
often described as a classic example of an UFO. In this model, the 2-10 keV
spectrum would be largely reflection dominated (as opposed to power law
dominated in the wind models) and the resonance absorption would be originating
in a layer between about 6 and 60 gravitational radii. The studies of such
features constitutes a cornerstone for future X-ray observatories like Astro-H
and Athena+. Should our model prove correct, or at least important in some
cases, then absorption will provide another diagnostic tool with which to probe
the inner accretion flow with future missions.