Chandra detection of reflected X-ray emission from the type 2 QSO in IRAS 09104+4109

Abstract

We present X-ray imaging spectroscopy of the extremely luminous infrared galaxy IRAS 09104+4109 (z=0.442) obtained with the Chandra X-ray Observatory. With the arcsec resolution of Chandra, an unresolved source at the nucleus is separated from the surrounding cluster emission. A strong iron K line at 6.4 keV on a very hard continuum is detected from the nuclear source, rendering IRAS 09104+4109 the most distant reflection-dominated X-ray source known. Combined with the BeppoSAX detection of the excess hard X-ray emission, it provides further strong support to the presence of a hidden X-ray source of quasar luminosity in this infrared galaxy. Also seen is a faint linear structure to the North, which coincides with the main radio jet. An X-ray deficit in the corresponding region suggests an interaction between the cluster medium and the jet driven by the active nucleus.

5 pages, accepted for publication as a Letter in MNRAS