Quasar feedback may play a key role in the evolution of massive galaxies. The dust-reddened quasar F2M110648.35+480712 at z = 0.4352 is one of the few cases at its redshift that exhibits powerful quasar feedback through bipolar outflows. Our new observation with the integral field unit mode of the Near-infrared Spectrograph on board JWST opens a new window to examine this spectacular outflow through the Pa α emission line with ~3× better spatial resolution than previous work. The morphology and kinematics of the Pa α nebula confirm the existence of a bipolar outflow extending on a scale of ∼17 × 14 kpc and with a velocity reaching ∼1100 km s −1 . The higher spatial resolution of our new observation leads to more reliable measurements of outflow kinematics. Considering only the spatially resolved outflow and assuming an electron density of 100 cm −2 , the mass, momentum, and kinetic energy outflow rates are ∼50–210 M ⊙ yr −1 , ∼(0.3–1.7) × 10 36 dynes (∼14%–78% of the quasar photon momentum flux), and ∼(0.16–1.27) × 10 44 erg s −1 (∼0.02%–0.20% of the quasar bolometric luminosity), respectively. The local instantaneous outflow rates generally decrease radially. We infer that the quasar is powerful enough to drive the outflow, while stellar processes cannot be overlooked as a contributing energy source. The mass outflow rate is ∼0.4–1.5 times the star formation rate, and the ratio of kinetic energy outflow rate to the quasar bolometric luminosity is comparable to the minimum value required for negative quasar feedback in simulations. This outflow may help regulate the star formation activity within the system to some extent.
ABSTRACT ‘Extremely red quasars’ (ERQs) are a non-radio-selected, intrinsically luminous population of quasars at cosmic noon selected by their extremely red colour from rest-frame UV to mid-IR. ERQs are uniquely associated with exceptionally broad and blueshifted [O iii] $\lambda$5007 emission reaching speeds $\gt $6000 km s$^{-1}$. We obtained adaptive optics integral-field spectroscopic observations using Keck/OSIRIS and Gemini/NIFS of a sample of 10 ERQs with bolometric luminosities (10$^{47.0}$–10$^{47.9}$) erg s$^{-1}$ at $z\sim$ (2.3–3.0). The goal is to measure the sizes and spatially resolved kinematics of the [O iii]-emitting regions. We study the surface brightness maps and aperture-extracted spectra and model the point-spread functions. We identify signs of merger activities in the continuum emissions. We identify physically distinct [O iii] kinematic components that are bimodal and respectively trace ERQ-driven outflows of velocity dispersion $\gtrsim$250 km s$^{-1}$ and dynamically quiescent interstellar media. We find that the ERQ-driven ionized outflows are typically at $\sim$1 kpc scales whereas the quiescent ionized gas extend to a few kpc. Compared to normal quasars the extremely fast ERQ-driven [O iii] outflows tend to be more compact, supporting the notion that ERQs are in a young stage of quasar/galaxy evolution and represent unique physical conditions beyond orientation differences with normal quasar populations. The kinematically quiescent [O iii] emissions in ERQs tend to be spatially resolved but less extended than in normal quasars, which can be explained by global and patchy dust obscuration. The hint of ionization cones suggests some of the obscuration can be partially explained by a patchy torus.
We investigate possible factors that drive fast quasar outflows using a sample of 39,249 quasars at median redshift $\langle z \rangle \approx$ 2.17. Unique to this study, the quasar redshifts are re-measured based on the Mg II emission line, allowing for exploration of unprecedented outflow velocities (>6000 km/s) while maintaining statistical significance and uniformity. We measure reliable C IV blueshifts for 1178 quasars with velocities >2500 km/s. From those, 255(13) quasars have blueshifts above 4000(6000) km/s, with the highest C IV velocity $\approx$ 7000 km/s. Several correlations are observed, where higher C IV blueshifts in general are in quasars with broader, weaker C IV emission profiles, weak He II emission, larger Eddington ratios, and bluer UV continuum slope across the rest-frame UV to Near-IR. Analysis reveals two primary factors contributing to faster outflows: higher Eddington ratios, and softer far-UV continuum (h$\nu$ >24.6 eV). We find supporting evidence that radiative line-driving may generate extreme outflow velocities, influenced by multiple factors as suggested by the aforementioned correlations. This evidence highlights the importance of considering a multi-dimensional parameter space in future studies when analyzing large C IV blueshifts to determine the fundamental causes of outflows.
ABSTRACT Extremely Red Quasars (ERQs) are thought to represent a brief episode of young quasar and galactic evolution characterized by rapid outflows and obscured growth due to dusty environments. We use new redshift measurements from CO and narrow Ly α emission-lines to better constrain outflow velocities from previous line measurements. We present sample of 82 ERQs, and the analysis confirms that ERQs have a higher incidence of large C iv blueshifts, accompanied by large Rest Equivalent Width (REW) and narrower line Full Width at Half-Maximum (FWHM) than blue quasars. We find that strong blueshifts (>2000 km s−1) are present in 12/54 (22.2 per cent) of ERQs with the most robust redshift indicators. At least 4 out of 15 ERQs in the sample also have blueshifts in their H β and low-ionization ultraviolet lines ranging from −500 to −1500 km s−1. ERQs with strong C iv blueshifts are substantially offset in C iv REW and FWHM from typical blue quasars in the same velocity range. ERQs have average values of REW = 124 Å and FWHM = 5274 km s−1, while blue quasars have REW = 24 Å and FWHM = 6973 km s−1. The extreme nature of the outflows in ERQs might explain some of their other spectral properties, such as the large C iv REWs and peculiar wingless profiles owing to more extended broad-line regions participating in outflows. The physical reasons for the extreme outflow properties of ERQs are unclear; however, larger Eddington ratios and/or softer ionizing spectra incident on the outflow gas cannot be ruled out.
Investigating line-locked phenomena within quasars is crucial for understanding the dynamics of quasar outflows, the role of radiation pressure in astrophysical flows, and the star formation history and metallicity of the early Universe. We have initiated the Tracking Outflow by Line Locking project to study quasar outflow by studying line-locking signatures using high-resolution high-signal-to-noise-ratio quasar spectra. In this paper, we present a case study of the line-locking signatures from QSO J221531-174408. The spectrum was obtained using the Very Large Telescope’s UV Visual Echelle Spectrograph. We first identify associated absorbers in the spectrum using C iv , N v , and Si iv doublets and measure their velocity shifts, covering fractions, and column densities through a line-profile-fitting technique. Then we compare the velocity separations between different absorbers, and detect nine pairs of line-locked C iv doublets, three pairs of line-locked N v doublets, and one pair of line-locked Si iv doublets. This is one of the four quasars known to possess line-locked signatures in C iv , Si iv , and N v at the same time. We also find three complex line-locked systems, where three to five absorbers are locked together through multi-ion doublets. Our study suggests that line locking is a common phenomenon in the quasar outflows, and theoretical models involving more than two clouds and one ionic doublet are needed in the future to explain the formation of these complex line-locking signatures.
While stellar processes are believed to be the main source of feedback in dwarf galaxies, the accumulating discoveries of AGN in dwarf galaxies over recent years arouse the interest to also consider AGN feedback in them. Fast, AGN-driven outflows, a major mechanism of AGN feedback, have indeed been discovered in dwarf galaxies and may be powerful enough to provide feedback to their dwarf hosts. In this paper, we search for outflows traced by the blueshifted ultraviolet absorption features in three dwarf galaxies with AGN from the sample examined in our previous ground-based study. We confirm outflows traced by blueshifted absorption features in two objects and tentatively detect an outflow in the third object. In one object where the outflow is clearly detected in multiple species, photoionization modeling suggests that this outflow is located $\sim$0.5 kpc from the AGN, implying a galactic-scale impact. This outflow is much faster and possesses higher kinetic energy outflow rate than starburst-driven outflows in sources with similar star formation rates, and is likely energetic enough to provide negative feedback to its host galaxy as predicted by simulations. Much broader ($\sim$4000 km s$^{-1}$) absorption features are also discovered in this object which may have the same origin as that of broad absorption lines in quasars. Additionally, strong He II $\lambda$1640 emission is detected in both objects where the transition falls in the wavelength coverage, and is consistent with an AGN origin. In one of these two objects, blueshifted He II emission line is clearly detected, likely tracing a highly-ionized AGN wind.
Quasar-driven galactic outflows are a major driver of the evolution of massive galaxies. We report observations of a powerful galactic-scale outflow in a z = 3 extremely red and intrinsically luminous ( L _bol ≃ 5 × 10 ^47 erg s ^−1 ) quasar SDSSJ1652 + 1728 with the Near-infrared Spectrograph on board JWST. We analyze the kinematics of rest-frame optical emission lines and identify the quasar-driven outflow extending out to ∼10 kpc from the quasar with a velocity offset of ( v _r = ± 500 km s ^−1 ) and high velocity dispersion (FWHM = 700–2400 km s ^−1 ). Due to JWST’s unprecedented surface brightness sensitivity in the near-infrared, we unambiguously show that the powerful high velocity outflow in an extremely red quasar encompasses a large swath of the host galaxy’s interstellar medium. Using the kinematics and dynamics of optical emission lines, we estimate the mass outflow rate—in the warm ionized phase alone—to be at least 2300 ± 1400 M _⊙ yr ^−1 . We measure a momentum flux ratio between the outflow and the quasar accretion disk of ∼1 on a kpc scale, indicating that the outflow was likely driven in a relatively high (>10 ^23 cm ^−2 ) column density environment through radiation pressure on dust grains. We find a coupling efficiency between the bolometric luminosity of the quasar and the outflow of 0.1%, matching the theoretical prediction of the minimum coupling efficiency necessary for negative quasar feedback. The outflow has sufficient energetics to drive the observed turbulence seen in shocked regions of the quasar host galaxy, which are likely directly responsible for prolonging the time that it takes for gas to cool efficiently.
Quasar feedback may regulate the growth of supermassive black holes, quench coeval star formation, and impact galaxy morphology and the circumgalactic medium. However, direct evidence for quasar feedback in action at the epoch of peak black hole accretion at z 2 remains elusive. A good case in point is the z = 1.6 quasar WISEA J100211.29+013706.7 (XID 2028) where past analyses of the same ground-based data have come to different conclusions. Here we revisit this object with the integral field unit of the Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) on board the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) as part of Early Release Science program Q3D. The excellent angular resolution and sensitivity of the JWST data reveal new morphological and kinematic sub-structures in the outflowing gas plume. An analysis of the emission line ratios indicates that photoionization by the central quasar dominates the ionization state of the gas with no obvious sign for a major contribution from hot young stars anywhere in the host galaxy. Rest-frame near-ultraviolet emission aligned along the wide-angle cone of outflowing gas is interpreted as a scattering cone. The outflow has cleared a channel in the dusty host galaxy through which some of the quasar ionizing radiation is able to escape and heat the surrounding interstellar and circumgalactic media. The warm ionized outflow is not powerful enough to impact the host galaxy via mechanical feedback, but radiative feedback by the AGN, aided by the outflow, may help explain the unusually small molecular gas mass fraction in the galaxy host.
Red quasars may represent a young stage of galaxy evolution that provide important feedback to their host galaxies. We are studying a population of extremely red quasars (ERQs) with exceptionally fast and powerful outflows, at median redshift z = 2.6. We present Keck/Keck Cosmic Web Imager integral field spectra of 11 ERQs, which have median colour i-W3 = 5.9 mag, median < L-bol > approximate to 5 x 10(47) erg s(-1), Ly alpha halo luminosity < L-halo > = 5 x 10(43) erg s(-1), and maximum linear size >128 kpc. The ERQ haloes are generally similar to blue quasar haloes, following known trends with L-bol in halo properties. ERQs have halo symmetries similar to Type-I blue quasars, suggesting Type-I spatial orientations. ERQ < L-halo > is similar to 2-dex below blue quasars, which is marginal due to scatter, but consistent with obscuration lowering photon escape fractions. ERQ haloes tend to have more compact and circularly symmetric inner regions than blue quasars, with median exponential scale lengths similar to 9 kpc, compared with similar to 16 kpc for blue quasars. When we include the central regions not available in blue quasar studies (due to point spread function problems), the true median ERQ halo scale length is just similar to 6 kpc. ERQ haloes are kinematically quiet, with median velocity dispersion 293 km s(-1), consistent with expected virial speeds. Overall, we find no evidence for feedback on circumgalactic scales, and the current episode of quasar activity (perhaps due to long outflow travel times) has not been around long enough to affect the circumgalactic medium. We confirm the narrow Ly alpha-emission spikes found in ERQ aperture spectra are halo features, and are useful for systemic redshifts and measuring outflow speeds in other features.
“Extremely red quasars” (ERQs) are a non-radio-selected, intrinsically luminous population of quasars at cosmic noon selected by their extremely red colour from rest-frame UV to mid-IR. ERQs are uniquely associated with exceptionally broad and blueshifted [OIII] 5007 emission reaching speeds >6000 km s^-1. We obtained adaptive optics integral-field spectroscopic observations using Keck/OSIRIS and Gemini/NIFS of a sample of 10 ERQs with bolometric luminosities (10^47.0-10^47.9) erg s^-1 at z (2.3-3.0). The goal is to measure the sizes and spatially-resolved kinematics of the [OIII]-emitting regions. We study the surface brightness maps and aperture-extracted spectra and model the point-spread functions. We identify signs of merger activities in the continuum emissions. We identify physically distinct [OIII] kinematic components that are bimodal and respectively trace ERQ-driven outflows of velocity dispersion >250 km s^-1 and dynamically quiescent interstellar media. We find that the ERQ-driven ionized outflows are typically at 1 kpc scales whereas the quiescent ionized gas extend to a few kpc. Compared to normal quasars the extremely fast ERQ-driven [OIII] outflows tend to be more compact, supporting the notion that ERQs are in a young stage of quasar/galaxy evolution and represent systems with unique physical conditions beyond orientation differences with normal quasar populations. The kinematically quiescent [OIII] emissions in ERQs tend to be spatially-resolved but less extended than in normal quasars, which can be explained by global and patchy dust obscuration. The hint of ionization cones suggests some of the obscuration can be partially explained by a patchy torus.
Massive galaxies formed most actively at redshifts z = 1–3 during the period known as “cosmic noon.” Here we present an emission-line study of the extremely red quasar SDSSJ165202.64+172852.3’s host galaxy at z = 2.94, based on observations with the Near Infrared Spectrograph integral field unit on board JWST. We use standard emission-line diagnostic ratios to map the sources of gas ionization across the host and a swarm of companion galaxies. The quasar dominates the photoionization, but we also discover shock-excited regions orthogonal to the ionization cone and the quasar-driven outflow. These shocks could be merger-induced or—more likely, given the presence of a powerful galactic-scale quasar outflow—these are signatures of wide-angle outflows that can reach parts of the galaxy that are not directly illuminated by the quasar. Finally, the kinematically narrow emission associated with the host galaxy presents as a collection of 1 kpc–scale clumps forming stars at a rate of at least 200 M _⊙ yr ^−1 . The interstellar medium within these clumps shows high electron densities, reaching up to 3000 cm ^−3 , with metallicities ranging from half to a third solar with a positive metallicity gradient, and V -band extinctions up to 3 mag. The star formation conditions are far more extreme in these regions than in local star-forming galaxies but consistent with those of massive galaxies at cosmic noon. The JWST observations simultaneously reveal an archetypal rapidly forming massive galaxy undergoing a merger, a clumpy starburst, an episode of obscured near-Eddington quasar activity, and an extremely powerful quasar outflow.
The [O iii ] 5007 Å emission line is the most common tracer of warm, ionized outflows in active galactic nuclei across cosmic time. JWST newly allows us to use mid-IR spectral features at both high spatial and spectral resolution to probe these same winds. Here we present a comparison of ground-based, seeing-limited [O iii ] and space-based, diffraction-limited [S iv ] 10.51 μ m maps of the powerful, kiloparsec-scale outflow in the Type 1 red quasar SDSS J110648.32+480712.3. The JWST data are from the Mid-InfraRed Instrument. There is a close match in resolution between the data sets (∼0.″6), in ionization potential of the O ^+2 and S ^+3 ions (35 eV) and in line sensitivity (1–2 × 10 ^−17 erg s ^−1 cm ^−2 arcsec ^−2 ). The [O iii ] and [S iv ] line shapes match in velocity and line width over much of the 20 kpc outflowing nebula, and [S iv ] is the brightest line in the rest-frame 3.5–19.5 μ m range, demonstrating its usefulness as a mid-IR probe of quasar outflows. [O iii ] is nevertheless intrinsically brighter and provides better contrast with the point-source continuum, which is strong in the mid-IR. There is a strong anticorrelation of [O iii ]/[S iv ] with average velocity, which is consistent with a scenario of differential obscuration between the approaching (blueshifted) and receding (redshifted) sides of the flow. The dust in the wind may also obscure the central quasar, consistent with models that attribute red quasar extinction to dusty winds.
This program is part of QUEST (Quasar/ULIRG Evolutionary Study) and seeks to examine the gaseous environments of z ≲ 0.3 quasars and ULIRGs as a function of host galaxy properties and age across the merger sequence from ULIRGs to quasars. This first paper in the series focuses on 33 quasars from the QUEST sample and on the kinematics of the highly ionized gas phase traced by the N v λ λ 1238,1243 and O vi λ λ 1032,1038 absorption lines in high-quality Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) data. N v and O vi outflows are present in about 60% of the QUEST quasars and span a broad range of properties, both in terms of equivalent widths (from 20 mÅ to 25 Å) and kinematics (outflow velocities from a few×100 km s−1 up to ∼10,000 km s−1). The rate of incidence and equivalent widths of the highly ionized outflows are higher among X-ray weak or absorbed sources. The weighted outflow velocity dispersions are highest among the X-ray weakest sources. No significant trends are found between the weighted outflow velocities and the properties of the quasars and host galaxies, although this may be due to the limited dynamic range of properties of the current sample. These results will be re-examined in an upcoming paper where the sample is expanded to include the QUEST ULIRGs. Finally, a lower limit of ∼0.1% on the ratio of time-averaged kinetic power to bolometric luminosity is estimated in the 2–4 objects with blueshifted P v λ λ 1117,1128 absorption features.
ABSTRACT Dusty quasars might be in a young stage of galaxy evolution with prominent quasar feedback. A recently discovered population of luminous, extremely red quasars at z ∼ 2–4 has extreme spectral properties related to exceptionally powerful quasar-driven outflows. We present Keck/KCWI observations of the reddest known ERQ, at z = 2.3184, with extremely fast [O iii] λ5007 outflow at ∼6000 km s−1. The Lyα halo spans ∼100 kpc. The halo is kinematically quiet, with velocity dispersion ∼300 km s−1 and no broadening above the dark matter circular velocity down to the spatial resolution ∼6 kpc from the quasar. We detect spatially resolved He ii λ1640 and C iv λ1549 emissions with kinematics similar to the Lyα halo and a narrow component in the [O iii] λ5007. Quasar reddening acts as a coronagraph, allowing views of the innermost halo. A narrow Lyα spike in the quasar spectrum is inner halo emission, confirming the broad C iv λ1549 in the unresolved quasar is blueshifted by 2240 km s−1 relative to the halo frame. We propose the inner halo is dominated by moderate-speed outflow driven in the past and the outer halo dominated by inflow. The high central concentration of the halo and the symmetric morphology of the inner region are consistent with the ERQ being in earlier evolutionary stage than blue quasars. The He ii λ1640/Lyα ratio of the inner halo and the asymmetry level of the overall halo are dissimilar to Type II quasars, suggesting unique physical conditions for this ERQ that are beyond orientation differences from other quasar populations. We find no evidence of mechanical quasar feedback in the Lyα-emitting halo.
We carried out spectroscopic monitoring of 21 low-redshift Seyfert 1 galaxies using the Kast double spectrograph on the 3-m Shane telescope at Lick Observatory from April 2016 to May 2017. Targeting active galactic nuclei (AGN) with luminosities of {\lambda}L{\lambda} (5100 {\AA}) = 10^44 erg/s and predicted H{\beta} lags of 20-30 days or black hole masses of 10^7-10^8.5 Msun, our campaign probes luminosity-dependent trends in broad-line region (BLR) structure and dynamics as well as to improve calibrations for single-epoch estimates of quasar black hole masses. Here we present the first results from the campaign, including H{\beta} emission-line light curves, integrated H{\beta} lag times (8-30 days) measured against V-band continuum light curves, velocity-resolved reverberation lags, line widths of the broad H{\beta} components, and virial black hole mass estimates (10^7.1-10^8.1 Msun). Our results add significantly to the number of existing velocity-resolved lag measurements and reveal a diversity of BLR gas kinematics at moderately high AGN luminosities. AGN continuum luminosity appears not to be correlated with the type of kinematics that its BLR gas may exhibit. Follow-up direct modeling of this dataset will elucidate the detailed kinematics and provide robust dynamical black hole masses for several objects in this sample.
This paper is the second in a series aimed at examining the gaseous environments of z ≤ 0.3 quasars and ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) as a function of AGN/host galaxy properties across the merger sequence. This second paper focuses on the Ly α emission and O vi 1032, 1038 and N v 1238, 1243 absorption features, tracers of highly ionized gas outflows, in ULIRGs observed with HST/COS. Ly α emission is detected in 15 out of 19 ULIRGs, and 12 of the 14 clear Ly α detections show emission with blueshifted velocity centroids and/or wings. The equivalent widths of the Ly α emission increase with increasing AGN luminosities and AGN bolometric fractions. The blueshifts of the Ly α emission correlate positively with those of the [O iii ] λ 5007 emission, where the latter traces the ionized gas outflows. The Ly α escape fractions tend to be slightly larger in objects with stronger AGN and larger outflow velocities, but they do not correlate with nebular line reddening. Among the 12 ULIRGs with good continuum signal-to-noise ratios, O vi and/or N v absorption features are robustly detected in six of them, all of which are blueshifted, indicative of outflows. In the combined ULIRG + quasar sample, the outflows are more frequently detected in the X-ray weak or absorbed sources. The absorption equivalent widths, velocities, and velocity dispersions of the outflows are also higher in the X-ray weak sources. No other strong correlations are visible between the properties of the outflows and those of the AGN or host galaxies.
Extremely red quasars, with bolometric luminosities exceeding 10(47) erg s(-1), are a fascinating high-redshift population that is absent in the local universe. They are the best candidates for supermassive black holes accreting at rates at or above the Eddington limit, and they are associated with the most rapid and powerful outflows of ionized gas known to date. They are also hosted by massive galaxies. Here we present the first integral field unit observations of a high-redshift quasar obtained by the Near Infrared Spectrograph on board the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which targeted SDSS J165202.64+172852.3, an extremely red quasar at z = 2.94. The JWST observations reveal extended ionized gas-as traced by [O iii] lambda 5007 angstrom-in the host galaxy of the quasar, its outflow, and the circumgalactic medium. The complex morphology and kinematics imply that the quasar resides in a very dense environment with several interacting companion galaxies within projected distances of 10-15 kpc. The high density of the environment and the large velocities of the companion galaxies suggest that this system may represent the core of a forming cluster of galaxies. The system is a good candidate for a merger of two or more dark matter halos, each with a mass of a few 10(13) M (circle dot), and potentially traces one of the densest knots at z similar to 3.
ABSTRACT We use Hubble Space Telescope/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph long-slit G430M and G750M spectra to analyse the extended [O iii] λ5007 emission in a sample of 12 nearby (z < 0.12) luminous (Lbol > 1.6 × 1045 erg s−1) QSO2s. The purpose of the study is to determine the properties of the mass outflows of ionized gas and their role in active galactic nucleus feedback. We measure fluxes and velocities as functions of radial distances. Using cloudy models and ionizing luminosities derived from [O iii] λ5007, we are able to estimate the densities for the emission-line gas. From these results, we derive masses of [O iii]-emitting gas, mass outflow rates, kinetic energies, kinetic luminosities, momenta, and momentum flow rates as a function of radial distance for each of the targets. For the sample, masses are several times $10^{3}$–$10^{7}\, {\rm M_{\odot }}$ and peak outflow rates are from 9.3 × 10−3 to $10.3\, {\rm M_{\odot }}\, {\rm yr^{-1}}$. The peak kinetic luminosities are (3.4 × 10−8)–(4.9 × 10−4) of the bolometric luminosity, which does not approach the (5.0 × 10−3)–(5.0 × 10−2) range required by some models for efficient feedback. For Mrk 34, which has the largest kinetic luminosity of our sample, in order to produce efficient feedback there would have to be 10 times more [O iii]-emitting gas than that we detected at its position of maximum kinetic luminosity. Three targets show extended [O iii] emission, but compact outflow regions. This may be due to different mass profiles or different evolutionary histories.
It is common to assume that all narrow absorption lines (NALs) at extreme high-velocity shifts form in cosmologically intervening gas or galaxies unrelated to quasars. However, previous detailed studies of individual quasars have shown that some NALs at these large velocity shifts do form in high-speed quasar ejecta. We search for extreme high-velocity NAL outflows (with speeds ∼0.1 c –0.2 c ) based on relationships with associated absorption lines (AALs) and broad absorption-line (BAL) outflows. We find that high-velocity NALs are strongly correlated with AALs, BALs, and radio loudness, indicating that a significant fraction of high-velocity systems are either ejected from the quasars or form in material swept up by the radio jets (and are not unrelated intervening gas). We also consider line-locked C iv doublets as another indicator of high-velocity NALs formed in outflows. The fact that line-locked NALs are highly ionized and correlated with BAL outflows and radio-loud quasars implies that physical line locking due to radiative forces is both common and real, which provides indirect evidence that a significant fraction of high-velocity NALs are intrinsic to quasars.
ABSTRACT We report on deep XMM–Newton and NuSTAR observations of the high redshift, z = 2.94, extremely red quasar (ERQ), SDSS J165202.60+172852.4, with known galactic ionized outflows detected via spatially resolved [O iii] emission lines. X-ray observations allow us to directly probe the accretion disc luminosity and the geometry and scale of the circumnuclear obscuration. We fit the spectra from the XMM–Newton/EPIC and NuSTAR detectors with a physically motivated torus model and constrain the source to exhibit a near Compton-thick column density of NH = (1.02$^{+0.76}_{-0.41}$) × 1024 cm−2, a near edge-on geometry with the line-of-sight inclination angle of θi = 85°, and a scattering fraction of fsc ∼ 3 per cent. The absorption-corrected, intrinsic 2–10 keV X-ray luminosity of L2–10= (1.4$^{+1}_{-1}$) × 1045 erg s−1 reveals a powerful quasar that is not intrinsically X-ray weak, consistent with observed trends in other ERQs. We also estimate the physical properties of the obscuration, although highly uncertain: the warm ionized scattering density of ne ∼ 7.5 × (102–103) cm−3 and the obscuration mass of $M_{\rm obsc} \sim 1.7\times (10^4\!-\!10^6)\,{\rm M}_{\odot}$. As previously suggested with shallower X-ray observations, optical and infrared selection of ERQ has proved effective in finding obscured quasars with powerful outflow signatures. Our observations provide an in-depth view into the X-ray properties of ERQs and support the conclusions of severely photon-limited studies of obscured quasar populations at high redshifts.