Searching for outflows in X-ray weak quasars

TL;DR

This study investigates the potential link between X-ray weakness and outflows in quasars by analyzing XMM-Newton data and optical spectra, aiming to identify overlooked outflowing quasars and understand wind-X-ray relationships.

Contribution

First systematic search for X-ray weak quasars with optical spectra to explore outflow signatures and their connection to X-ray properties.

Findings

Identification of quasars with weak X-ray emission and normal optical/UV spectra.

Detection of outflow signatures in optical absorption and emission lines.

Potential confirmation of the wind-X-ray weakness connection in quasars.

Abstract

The connection between X-ray weakness and powerful X-ray outflows is both expected in a scenario where outflows are connected with radiation-driven winds, and observed in several sources, both in the local Universe and at high redshift. Here I present the first results of a new study of this possible connection based on a search for SDSS quasars with weak X-ray emission in serendipitous XMM-Newton observations. The selected objects have a "normal" optical/UV blue continuum, but a flat and extraordinarily weak X-ray spectrum. The availability of rest-frame optical/UV spectra allows to check for the signature of outflows in the absorption lines and/or in the profiles of the emission lines. This method could reveal the presence of a population of so-far overlooked outflowing quasars and confirm the connection between winds and X-ray weakness in quasars.