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[34.02] The Hard X-Ray Spectra of Broad-Line Radio Galaxies as Observed With the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer

M Eracleous, R. M. Sambruna (Penn State U.), R. F. Mushotzky (NASA/GSFC)

We present the hard X-ray spectra of a sample of four broad-line radio galaxies observed with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer, namely 3C~111, Pictor~A, 3C~120, and 3C~382. The spectra are described by a power-law model with spectral indices in the range 1.6 to 1.8, which are lower than the typical values found in Seyfert galaxies. In the case of Pictor~A and 3C~111 we detect weak Fe~K\alpha emission lines (EW\le100~eV) which were not detected in earlier spectra obtained with ASCA. We also find that the power-law model provides a good description of the spectra up to high energies (20--30~keV). The Compton reflection hump, which is a hallmark of the X-ray spectra of Seyfert galaxies at these energies is either weak or undetectable in the broad-line radio galaxies of our small sample, with interesting upper limits. We argue that a plausible explanation for this observational result is a difference between the structure of the inner accretion disks of Seyfert galaxies and broad-line radio galaxies. This work was supported by NASA through grant NAG5-7733.

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