A High-Velocity Narrow Absorption Line Outflow in the Quasar J2123-0050

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

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Accretion disk outflows are an important part of the quasar phenomenon. We report on a high-velocity narrow absorption line (NAL) outflow in the redshift z 2.3 quasar J2123-0050. This outflow is remarkable for having speeds and ionization typical of broad absorption line (BAL) flows, but with line widths of order 100 times narrower and no significant X-ray absorption. Five distinct outflow systems are detected with velocity shifts from -9710 to -14,040 km/s and CIV 1548,1551 line widths of FWHM = 62 to 164 km/s. The outflow origin of these lines is confirmed by our observations of their variability, smooth super-thermal absorption profiles and doublet ratios that require partial covering of the quasar continuum source. The absorber metallicity is approximately twice solar. These data require five distinct outflow structures that each has a characteristic size of order 0.04-0.06 pc and a high degree of ionization (based on stronger absorption in OVI 1032,1038 compared to CIV). The coordinated line variations (in <0.63 yr quasar frame) are most readily explained by global changes in the outflow ionization caused by changes in the quasar's ionizing flux. An upper limit on the radial acceleration, ɛ km/s/yr (quasar frame), is consistent with blobs of gas coasting freely at distances >5 pc from the central black hole. An apparent double line-lock in CIV suggests further that the flow was radiatively accelerated and its present trajectory is within 16 degrees of the radial (line-of-sight) direction. The lack of X-ray absorption implies that radiative shielding in the X-ray/far-UV is not needed to keep the ionization low enough (i.e., BAL-like) for radiative acceleration. This last result appears to be inconsistent with the standard paradigm of radiative shielding in BAL outflows. We argue that, for at least the NAL outflows, radiative shielding is not needed for acceleration to high speeds.

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