Modelling the spectra of (BAL)QSOs

TL;DR

This paper introduces a Monte Carlo radiative transfer model to simulate UV spectra of BALQSOs, aiming to test geometric unification theories by matching synthetic spectra with observations.

Contribution

The study presents a new Monte Carlo code adapted from stellar wind models to simulate BALQSO spectra, providing a tool to explore quasar unification models.

Findings

Synthetic spectra match key features of observed BALQSO spectra.

Reasonable geometries and mass loss rates produce realistic spectral features.

Initial results support the plausibility of geometric unification models.

Abstract

We have embarked upon a project to model the UV spectra of BALQSOs using a Monte Carlo radiative transfer code previously validated through modelling of the winds of cataclysmic variable stars (e.g. Noebauer et al. 2010). We intend to use the simulations to investigate the plausibility of geometric unification (e.g. Elvis 2000) of the different classes of QSO. Here we introduce the code, and present some initial results. These demonstrate that for reasonable geometries and mass loss rates we are able to produce synthetic spectra which reproduce the important features of observed BALQSO spectra.