Beecroft Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology

Abstract:

Aims. We analyse a long XMM-Newton observation of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 766, using the marked spectral variability on timescales >20 ks to separate components in the X-ray spectrum. Methods. Principal components analysis is used to identify distinct emission components in the X-ray spectrum, possible alternative physical models for those components are then compared statistically. Results. The source spectral variability is well-explained by additive variations, with smaller extra contributions most likely arising from variable absorption. The principal varying component, eigenvector one, is found to have a steep (photon index 2.4) power-law shape, affected by a low column of ionised absorption that leads to the appearance of a soft excess. Eigenvector one varies by a factor 10 in amplitude on time-scales of days and appears to have broad ionised Fe Kα emission associated with it: the width of the ionised line is consistent with an origin at ∼100 gravitational radii. There is also a strong component of near-constant emission that dominates in the low state, whose spectrum is extremely hard above 1 keV, with a soft excess at lower energies, and with a strong edge at Fe K but remarkably little Fe Kα emission. Although this component may be explained as relativistically-blurred reflection from the inner accretion disc, we suggest that its spectrum and lack of variability may alternatively be explained as either (i) ionised reflection from an extended region, possibly a disc wind, or (ii) a signature of absorption by a disc wind with a variable covering fraction. Absorption features in the low state may indicate the presence of an outflow. © ESO 2007.

Abstract:

The principles of measuring the shapes of galaxies by a model-fitting approach are discussed in the context of shape measurement for surveys of weak gravitational lensing. It is argued that such an approach should be optimal, allowing measurement with maximal signal-to-noise ratio, coupled with estimation of measurement errors. The distinction between likelihood-based and Bayesian methods is discussed. Systematic biases in the Bayesian method may be evaluated as part of the fitting process, and overall such an approach should yield unbiased shear estimation without requiring external calibration from simulations. The principal disadvantage of model fitting for large surveys is the computational time required, but here an algorithm is presented that enables large surveys to be analysed in feasible computation times. The method and algorithm is tested on simulated galaxies from the Shear TEsting Programme (STEP). © 2007 The Authors.

Abstract:

WFSPEC is a multi-integral field spectrograph instrument concept combining local AO correction over a wide field of view. This local correction is achieved by a multi object adaptive optics system integrated into the instrument. Instrument concept, development and preliminary results on performance simulations are discussed.

Abstract:

WFSPEC is a multi-integral field spectrograph instrument concept combining local AO correction over a wide field of view. This local correction is achieved by a multi object adaptive optics system integrated into the instrument. Instrument concept, development and preliminary results on performance simulations are discussed. © 2007 Optical Society of America.

Abstract:

We investigate a model of the coevolution of black holes and dark matter halos. The evolution of dark matter halos is based on the Press-Schechter theory. Assuming a simple relation between dark matter halos and supermassive black holes enables us to reproduce both the observed evolving hard X-ray luminosity function and the X-ray background.