The PG X-Ray QSO Sample: Links among X-ray, UV & Optical Spectra

Abstract

A unique, essentially complete sample of 22 QSOs, with high quality soft X-ray spectra from ROSAT, as well as HST and optical spectrophotometry from below Ly-alpha to above H-alpha, is being used to investigate the relationships among the ionizing continuum and the optical and UV continuum, emission and absorption lines. Here we present a first analysis showing that optical `Eigenvector 1' linking steeper soft X-ray spectra with increasing optical Fe II strength, decreasing [O III] 5007 emission, and narrower BLR H-beta emission, extends to the UV emission lines, and is manifested by weaker C IV 1549 emission, stronger Si III] 1892/C III] 1909 ratio, and narrower C III] 1909 emission. Steeper soft X-ray spectra have been linked to higher L/L_Edd ratios, thus apparently linking BLR densities, high and low ionization gas, and kinematics, to the accretion process.

7 pages with 2 figures. Needs paspconf.sty. To appear in Proc. of the Conference `Structure and Kinematics of Quasar Broad Line Regions' held 1998, March 23-26 in Lincoln, Nebraska (eds. C.M. Gaskell et al.)