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X-ray spectral modelling of the AGN obscuring region in the CDFS: Bayesian model selection and catalogue

Mixed citation behavior. Most common role is method (57%).

49 Pith papers citing it
1,436 external citations · Pith
Method 57% of classified citations
abstract

AGN are known to have complex X-ray spectra that depend on both the properties of the accreting SMBH (e.g. mass, accretion rate) and the distribution of obscuring material in its vicinity ("torus"). Often however, simple and even unphysical models are adopted to represent the X-ray spectra of AGN. In the case of blank field surveys in particular, this should have an impact on e.g. the determination of the AGN luminosity function, the inferred accretion history of the Universe and also on our understanding of the relation between AGN and their host galaxies. We develop a Bayesian framework for model comparison and parameter estimation of X-ray spectra. We take into account uncertainties associated with X-ray data and photometric redshifts. We also demonstrate how Bayesian model comparison can be used to select among ten different physically motivated X-ray spectral models the one that provides a better representation of the observations. Despite the use of low-count spectra, our methodology is able to draw strong inferences on the geometry of the torus. For a sample of 350 AGN in the 4 Ms Chandra Deep Field South field, our analysis identifies four components needed to represent the diversity of the observed X-ray spectra: (abridged). Simpler models are ruled out with decisive evidence in favour of a geometrically extended structure with significant Compton scattering. Regarding the geometry of the obscurer, there is strong evidence against both a completely closed or entirely open toroidal geometry, in favour of an intermediate case. The additional Compton reflection required by data over that predicted by toroidal geometry models, may be a sign of a density gradient in the torus or reflection off the accretion disk. Finally, we release a catalogue with estimated parameters such as the accretion luminosity in the 2-10 keV band and the column density, $N_{H}$, of the obscurer.

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representative citing papers

An intrinsic decline of accretion activity in GRS 1915+105

astro-ph.HE · 2026-07-07 · conditional · novelty 6.0

Deep X-ray, radio, and infrared non-detections of GRS 1915+105 imply an intrinsic decline in accretion activity rather than enhanced obscuration, likely driven by 2023-2024 outflows clearing the inner disc.

SAPLE: Swift Analysis Pipeline for Lightcurve Extraction

astro-ph.IM · 2026-05-11 · unverdicted · novelty 6.0

SAPLE is a new semi-automated pipeline for extracting Swift UVOT and XRT lightcurves, magnitudes, absorption-corrected fluxes, and photon index values assuming a redshifted power-law spectrum.

Exploration of the inner region of the system HD 142527

astro-ph.EP · 2026-05-06 · conditional · novelty 6.0

High-contrast imaging of HD 142527 reveals a candidate companion at ~14 au and an Hα spiral in the inner disk, possibly tracing accretion flows linked to companion B.

The Range of Cumulative XUV Flux on GJ 1132 b

astro-ph.EP · 2026-05-05 · unverdicted · novelty 6.0

GJ 1132 b is estimated to have received at least 50 times the cumulative XUV flux of modern Earth with over 95% probability across models, supporting its classification as an atmosphere-free world.

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