Identifying AGNs from X-ray Detections: Primary Parameter Calibrations
Mar 24, 2026
·
1 min read
Read the full published paper here
Traditional strong-line diagnostics often struggle in Active Galactic Nuclei due to complex radiation fields. In this foundational first paper of our series on identifying AGNs from X-ray detections, we developed new metallicity calibrations (such as $\rm N_2$ and $\rm O_3N_2$) that directly account for these structural nebular variations.
By explicitly parameterizing our models using the intrinsic 2-10 keV X-ray luminosity, we successfully decoupled true gas-phase chemical abundances from the intense AGN radiation field, allowing for highly accurate measurements without relying on temperature-dependent optical limitations.
Authors
Mark Armah
(He/Him)
Postdoctoral Fellow
I am an extragalactic astrophysicist specializing in the chemical evolution of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) and Seyfert galaxies. My research addresses a fundamental question in galaxy evolution: how do actively accreting supermassive black holes regulate the chemical and physical properties of their host environments? By bridging the gap between intricate multi-dimensional spectroscopic datasets and advanced theoretical photoionization models, I develop custom computational pipelines to untangle AGN radiation from true gas-phase abundances. Ultimately, my work pioneers robust new metallicity calibrations and diagnostic tools that allow wider applications to decode complex AGN feedback mechanisms.