Description
We present a detailed comparative systematic study using a sample of 221 narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLSy1) galaxies in comparison to a redshift-matched sample of 154 broad-line Seyfert 1 (BLSy1) galaxies based on their observations using ROSAT and/or XMM-Newton in soft X-ray band (0.1-2.0keV). A homogeneous analysis is carried out to estimate their soft X-ray photon indices ({Gamma}_X_^s^) and its correlations with other parameters of nuclear activities such as Eddington ratios (REdd), bolometric luminosities (Lbol), black hole masses (MBH), and the widths of the broad component of H{beta} lines (FWHM(H{beta})). In our analysis, we found clear evidence of the difference in the {Gamma}_X_^s^ and R_Edd_ distributions among NLSy1 and BLSy1 galaxies, with steeper {Gamma}_X_^s^ and higher R_Edd_ for the former. Such a difference also exists in the spectral index distribution in hard X-ray ({Gamma}_X_^h^), based on the analysis of 53 NLSy1 and 46 BLSy1 galaxies in the 2-10keV energy band. The difference in REdd distributions does exist even after applying the average correction for the difference in the inclination angle of NLSy1 and BLSy1 galaxies. We also estimated R_Edd_, based on SED fitting of 34 NLSy1 and 30 BLSy1 galaxies over the 0.3-10keV energy band, and found that results are still consistent with REdd estimates based on the optical bolometric luminosity. Our analysis suggests that the higher REdd in NLSy1 is responsible for its steeper X-ray spectral slope compared to the BLSy1, consistent with the disk-corona model as proposed for the luminous AGNs.
|