Anisotropic Illumination in AGNs. The reflected component. Comparison to hard X-ray spectra from Seyfert Galaxies
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We calculate the reflection component predicted by the anisotropic illumination model of Henri & Petrucci 1997.
This component appears to be more important than for isotropic models.
The overall X/gamma spectrum is found to be strongly angle-dependent. When the accretion disc is seen with a nearly edge-on orientation the reflection hump is weak, while a face-on viewing angle leads to a proeminent reflection hump with an equivalent reflection coefficient R close to 50. Such reflection dominated Seyfert 1s galaxies are not observed. By fitting observed X/gamma spectra, we derive inclination angles of 70 degrees for MCG 8-11 -11 and 80 degrees for IC 4329a and NGC 4151.
Although the model succeed in reproducing individual observed spectra, it requires all the Seyfert 1s observed in the X-ray band to be seen with large inclination angles. Such a situation is highly improbable. On the other hand, we show that the ionisation of a fair part of the reflecting disk could represent an interesting improvement of the model, consistent with the data and relaxing the constraints on the high energy cut-off in Seyfert galaxies.
8 pages, 4 figures, to be published in A&A
8 pages, 4 figures, to be published in A&A