Ensemble mapping the inner structure of luminous quasars

Abstract A simple prediction of the well-known unification model active galactic nuclei is that a sample sources should exhibit an anti-correlation between solid angle dusty torus and ionization cone (as sum them shall equal 4π), which however has never been detected. In this work, we analyze correlation [O iii] 5007 narrow emission line equivalent width LIR(λ)/Lbol for large luminous quasars. For first time, detect clear intrinsic them, immediately verifies torus/ionization-cone geometry in More interestingly, significantly weakens with increasing wavelength from ∼ 2 to 12 μm, disappears at μm. Simulations show cool dust component (in addition equatorial torus) its strength positively correlating required explain observations. This shows polar seen nearby galaxies also exists quasars, contribution total λ (from μm) reaching 39%–62% (model dependent) rest frame Our findings provide unique approach map otherwise spatially unresolvable inner structure