A magnetic reconnection origin for the soft X-ray excess in an active galactic nucleus

Abstract

We present a new scenario to explain the soft X-ray excess in an active galactic nucleus (AGN). Magnetic reconnection could happen in a thin layer on the surface of an accretion disk. Electrons are accelerated by a shock wave and turbulence is triggered by magnetic reconnection. Inverse Compton scattering then takes place above the accretion disk, producing soft X-rays. Based on the standard disk model, we estimate the magnetic field strength and the energy released by magnetic reconnection along the accretion disk and find that the luminosity arising from magnetic reconnection is mostly emitted in the inner disk, which is dominated by radiation pressure. We then apply the model to fit the spectra of AGNs with strong soft X-ray excess. © 2013. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.