The Nature of Quasars with Supersoft X-ray Spectra

Physics

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Our optical studies of ROSAT supersoft X-ray sources at MDM Observatory have revealed a large population of quasars with very steep X-ray spectra. Their soft X-ray luminosities sometimes exceed 10^46 erg s^-1, and their nature is unknown. Preliminary estimate of their luminosity function suggests an important contribution to the cosmic X-ray background at 0.25 keV. KPNO 4 m time is needed (1) to increase (to 75%) the identifications of a flux limited sample, and (2) to provide spectra with sufficient quality to conduct diagnostic studies of the emission lines. The new identifications will likely increase the numbers of high-redshift, high-luminosity examples that can be studied further with AXAF. The optical wavelength range limits the practicality of emission line analysis to the ranges of z < 0.4 and 1.6 < z < 2.6. The KPNO effort will be directed toward the latter group, enabling analyses of the UV spectra (rest frame) to constrain the shape of the ionizing continuum and to help determine a physical model for supersoft quasars.

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