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Preprint F/00

The first XMM­Newton spectrum of a high redshift quasar ­ PKS 0537-286.

J.N. Reeves (1), M.J.L. Turner (1), P.J. Bennie (1), K.A. Pounds (1), A. Short (1), P.T. O'Brien (1), Th. Boller (2), M. Kuster (3), and A. Tiengo (4)

(1) X­Ray Astronomy Group; Department of Physics and Astronomy; Leicester University; Leicester LE1 7RH; U.K.
(2) Max­Planck­Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Postfach 1603, 85748 Garching, Germany
(3) Institut für Astronomie und Astrophysik, Astronomie, Universität Tübingen, Waldhäuser Str. 64, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
(4) IFC Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy

2001, Astronomy & Astrophysics 365, L116 - L121

Abstract. We present XMM-Newton observations of the high redshift z=3.104, radio-loud quasar PKS 0537-286. The EPIC CCD cameras provide the highest signal-to-noise spectrum of a high-z quasar to date. The EPIC observations show that PKS 0537-286 is extremely X-ray luminous (Lx=2x10⁴⁷ erg/s), with an unusually hard X-ray spectrum (Gamma=1.27+/-0.02). The flat power-law emission extends over the whole observed energy range; there is no evidence of intrinsic absorption, which has been claimed in PKS 0537-286 and other high z quasars. However, there is evidence for weak Compton reflection. A redshifted iron K line, observed at 1.5 keV - corresponding to 6.15 keV in the quasar rest frame - is detected at 95% confidence. If confirmed, this is the most distant iron K line known. The line equivalent width is small (33eV), consistent with the `X-ray Baldwin effect' observed in other luminous quasars. The reflected continuum is also weak (R=0.25). We find the overall spectral energy distribution of PKS 0537-286 is dominated by the X-ray emission, which, together with the flat power-law and weak reflection features, suggests that the X-radiation from PKS 0537-286 is dominated by inverse Compton emission associated with a face-on relativistic jet.

Key words: galaxies: active - quasars: individual: PKS 0537-286 - X-rays: galaxies

Paper (77k gzip'ed Postscript including figures)

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