The correlation between X-ray and UV properties of BAL QSOs

Abstract

We compile a large sample of broad absorption line (BAL) quasars with X-ray observations from the XMM-Newton archive data and Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 5. The sample consists of 41 BAL QSOs. Among 26 BAL quasars detected in X-ray, spectral analysis is possible for 12 objects. X-ray absorption is detected in all of them. Complementary to that of Gallagher et al., our sample spans wide ranges of both BALnicity index (BI) and maximum outflow velocity (v max). Combining our sample with that of Gallagher et al., we find very significant correlations between the intrinsic X-ray weakness and both BI and the maximum velocity of the absorption trough. We do not confirm the previously claimed correlation between absorption column density and BAL parameters. Our tentative interpretation is that X-ray absorption is necessary to the production of the BAL outflow, but the properties of the outflow are largely determined by intrinsic spectral energy distribution of the quasars. © 2009. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.