Compton reflection in AGN with Simbol-X

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how Simbol-X can effectively constrain complex X-ray reflection models in AGN, providing insights into the central engine processes and their contribution to the cosmic X-ray background.

Contribution

It introduces the capabilities of Simbol-X for constraining AGN reflection models through simulations and compares them with recent observations, advancing understanding of AGN physics.

Findings

Simbol-X can effectively constrain AGN reflection models in short observations.

Simulations align with recent INTEGRAL, Swift, and Suzaku data.

Constraining models helps understand AGN central engine and cosmic X-ray background contributions.

Abstract

AGN exhibit complex hard X-ray spectra. Our current understanding is that the emission is dominated by inverse Compton processes which take place in the corona above the accretion disk, and that absorption and reflection in a distant absorber play a major role. These processes can be directly observed through the shape of the continuum, the Compton reflection hump around 30 keV, and the iron fluorescence line at 6.4 keV. We demonstrate the capabilities of Simbol-X to constrain complex models for cases like MCG-05-23-016, NGC 4151, NGC 2110, and NGC 4051 in short (10 ksec) observations. We compare the simulations with recent observations on these sources by INTEGRAL, Swift and Suzaku. Constraining reflection models for AGN with Simbol-X will help us to get a clear view of the processes and geometry near to the central engine in AGN, and will give insight to which sources are responsible for the Cosmic X-ray background at energies above 20 keV.