Can BLR line profile shape improve single-epoch black hole mass estimates?

TL;DR

This study investigates whether the shape of the broad Hβ emission line can improve the accuracy of single-epoch black hole mass estimates by correlating line profile shape with the virial coefficient.

Contribution

It updates previous analysis with new data, providing marginal evidence that line profile shape correlates with the virial coefficient, potentially refining mass estimates.

Findings

Marginal evidence for a correlation between $f$ and line shape.

The correlation's slope and scatter are consistent with previous results.

Future modeling could use line shape to improve mass estimates.

Abstract

The virial coefficient ($f$), which is meant to encapsulate broad-line region (BLR) geometry and kinematics, remains one of the largest sources of systematic uncertainty in black hole mass estimates for Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs). While the use of a sample average $\langle f \rangle$ enables black hole mass estimates across large samples and cosmological distances, individual AGNs may deviate from this average due to differences in BLR structure and viewing angle. In previous work, we reported marginal evidence for a correlation between $f$ and the shape of the broad H$\beta$ emission line, $\log_{10}(\mathrm{FWHM}/\sigma)$. In this work, we update our sample to include ten new sources with CARAMEL BLR dynamical modeling, increasing both the black hole mass range and statistical power of our analysis. We find marginal evidence for a correlation between $f$ and $\log_{10}(\mathrm{FWHM}/\sigma)$, with a slope and intrinsic scatter consistent with previous results. The confirmation of this trend across a larger sample further supports the idea that line profile shape may reflect BLR properties in a way that directly impacts $f$. If confirmed with future BLR dynamical modeling of sources within a wider range of $\log_{10}(\mathrm{FWHM}/\sigma)$, this relationship could enable empirical estimates of the virial coefficient and improve single-epoch black hole mass estimates across cosmic time.