Active galactic nuclei with high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy

TL;DR

This paper reviews the potential of upcoming high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy missions like XRISM, Athena, and Arcus to advance understanding of AGN phenomena such as ionized winds, iron emission regions, and ultrafast outflows.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of how future X-ray missions will enhance the study of AGN components and feedback mechanisms.

Findings

Anticipated breakthroughs in understanding warm absorbers and obscurers.

Insights into the origins of iron emission from various AGN regions.

Potential to elucidate the role of ultrafast outflows in AGN feedback.

Abstract

The imminent launch of XRISM will usher in an era of high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy. For active galactic nuclei (AGN) this is an exciting epoch that is full of massive potential for uncovering the ins and outs of supermassive black hole accretion. In this work, we review AGN research topics that are certain to advance in the coming years with XRISM and prognosticate the possibilities with Athena and Arcus. Specifically, our discussion focuses on: (i) the relatively slow moving ionised winds known as warm absorbers and obscurers; (ii) the iron emitting from different regions of the inner and outer disc, broad line region, and torus; and (iii) the ultrafast outflows that may be the key to understanding AGN feedback.