Photoionization Models for High-density Gas

Relativistically broadened and redshifted 6.4-6.9 keV iron K lines are observed from many accretion powered objects, including X-ray binaries and active galactic nuclei. The existence of gas close to the central engine implies large radiation intensities and correspondingly large gas densities if the gas is to remain partially ionized. Simple estimates indicate that high gas densities are needed to allow for the survival of iron against ionization. These are high enough that rates for many atomic processes are affected by mechanisms related to interactions with nearby ions and electrons. Radiation intensities are high enough that stimulated processes can be important. Most models currently in use for interpreting relativistic lines use atomic rate coefficients designed for use at low densities and neglect stimulated processes. In our work so far we have presented atomic structure calculations with the goal of providing physically appropriate models at densities consistent with line-emitting gas near compact objects. In this paper we apply these rates to photoionization calculations, and produce ionization balance curves and X-ray emissivities and opacities that are appropriate for high densities and high radiation intensities. The final step in our program will be presented in a subsequent paper in which model atmosphere calculations will incorporate these rates into synthetic spectra.

Automated summary

Observations of relativistically broadened and redshifted iron K lines from accretion powered objects suggest the presence of high gas densities near the central engine to maintain partial ionization, with important stimulated processes potentially influencing atomic rates. Current models typically neglect stimulated processes and focus on low density regimes, while new calculations aim to provide physically appropriate models at high densities consistent with line-emitting gas near compact objects.