Abstract
We have compiled the largest sample of multiwavelength spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of broad absorption line (BAL) quasars to date, from the radio to the X-ray. We present new Spitzer MIPS (24, 70, and 160 μm) observations of 38 BAL quasars in addition to data from the literature and public archives. In general, the mid-infrared properties of BAL quasars are consistent with those of non-BAL quasars of comparable luminosity. In particular, the optical to mid-infrared luminosity ratios of the two populations are indistinguishable. We also measure or place upper limits on the contribution of star formation to the far-infrared power. Of 22 (57%) upper limits, seven quasars have sufficiently sensitive constraints to conclude that star formation likely contributes little (<20%) to their far-infrared power. The 17 BAL quasars (45%) with detected excess far-infrared emission likely host hyperluminous starbursts with LFIR, SF, = 1013-10 14 L⊙. Mid-infrared through X-ray composite BAL quasar SEDs are presented, incorporating all of the available photometry. Overall, we find no compelling evidence for inherent differences between the SEDs of BAL versus non-BAL quasars of comparable luminosity. Therefore a "cocoon" picture of a typical BAL quasar outflow whereby the wind covers a large fraction of the sky is not supported by the mid-infrared SED comparison with normal quasars, and the disk-wind paradigm with a typical radio-quiet quasar hosting a B AL region remains viable.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 157-173 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
| Volume | 665 |
| Issue number | 1 PART 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Aug 10 2007 |
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All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science
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Radio through x-ray spectral energy distributions of 38 broad absorption line quasars. / Gallagher, S. C.; Hines, D. C.; Blaylock, Myra; Priddey, R. S.; Brandt, W. N.; Egami, E. E.
In: Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 665, No. 1 PART 1, 10.08.2007, p. 157-173.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Radio through x-ray spectral energy distributions of 38 broad absorption line quasars
AU - Gallagher, S. C.
AU - Hines, D. C.
AU - Blaylock, Myra
AU - Priddey, R. S.
AU - Brandt, W. N.
AU - Egami, E. E.
PY - 2007/8/10
Y1 - 2007/8/10
N2 - We have compiled the largest sample of multiwavelength spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of broad absorption line (BAL) quasars to date, from the radio to the X-ray. We present new Spitzer MIPS (24, 70, and 160 μm) observations of 38 BAL quasars in addition to data from the literature and public archives. In general, the mid-infrared properties of BAL quasars are consistent with those of non-BAL quasars of comparable luminosity. In particular, the optical to mid-infrared luminosity ratios of the two populations are indistinguishable. We also measure or place upper limits on the contribution of star formation to the far-infrared power. Of 22 (57%) upper limits, seven quasars have sufficiently sensitive constraints to conclude that star formation likely contributes little (<20%) to their far-infrared power. The 17 BAL quasars (45%) with detected excess far-infrared emission likely host hyperluminous starbursts with LFIR, SF, = 1013-10 14 L⊙. Mid-infrared through X-ray composite BAL quasar SEDs are presented, incorporating all of the available photometry. Overall, we find no compelling evidence for inherent differences between the SEDs of BAL versus non-BAL quasars of comparable luminosity. Therefore a "cocoon" picture of a typical BAL quasar outflow whereby the wind covers a large fraction of the sky is not supported by the mid-infrared SED comparison with normal quasars, and the disk-wind paradigm with a typical radio-quiet quasar hosting a B AL region remains viable.
AB - We have compiled the largest sample of multiwavelength spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of broad absorption line (BAL) quasars to date, from the radio to the X-ray. We present new Spitzer MIPS (24, 70, and 160 μm) observations of 38 BAL quasars in addition to data from the literature and public archives. In general, the mid-infrared properties of BAL quasars are consistent with those of non-BAL quasars of comparable luminosity. In particular, the optical to mid-infrared luminosity ratios of the two populations are indistinguishable. We also measure or place upper limits on the contribution of star formation to the far-infrared power. Of 22 (57%) upper limits, seven quasars have sufficiently sensitive constraints to conclude that star formation likely contributes little (<20%) to their far-infrared power. The 17 BAL quasars (45%) with detected excess far-infrared emission likely host hyperluminous starbursts with LFIR, SF, = 1013-10 14 L⊙. Mid-infrared through X-ray composite BAL quasar SEDs are presented, incorporating all of the available photometry. Overall, we find no compelling evidence for inherent differences between the SEDs of BAL versus non-BAL quasars of comparable luminosity. Therefore a "cocoon" picture of a typical BAL quasar outflow whereby the wind covers a large fraction of the sky is not supported by the mid-infrared SED comparison with normal quasars, and the disk-wind paradigm with a typical radio-quiet quasar hosting a B AL region remains viable.
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U2 - 10.1086/519438
DO - 10.1086/519438
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:34548329885
VL - 665
SP - 157
EP - 173
JO - Astrophysical Journal
JF - Astrophysical Journal
SN - 0004-637X
IS - 1 PART 1
ER -