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E. Sturm, D. Lutz, A. Verma (MPE), H. Netzer, A. Sternberg (School of Physics and Astronomy and Wise Observatory, Tel Aviv), A.F.M. Moorwood (ESO), E. Oliva (Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri), R. Genzel (MPE)
We have analysed mid-infrared ISO-SWS spectra of a sample of 29 galaxies with active nuclei. This data set is rich in fine structure emission lines tracing the narrow line regions and (circum-)nuclear star formation regions, and it provides a coherent spectroscopic reference for future extragalactic studies in the mid-infrared (e.g. with SIRTF or SOFIA). Based on this data set we have developed new tools to determine the properties of dusty galaxies and to study the AGN-starburst connection. Here we present new mid-IR line ratio diagrams which can be used to identify composite (starburst + AGN) sources and to distinguish between emission excited by active nuclei and emission from (circum-nuclear) star forming regions. In addition, we present two-dimensional diagnostic diagrams that are fully analogous to classical optical diagnostic diagrams, but better suited for objects with high extinction. Finally, we discuss correlations of mid-infrared line fluxes to the mid- and far-infrared continuum. We compare these relations to similar relations in starburst galaxies in order to examine the contribution of AGNs to the bolometric luminosities of their host galaxies.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.