Nuclear Dynamics and Star Formation of AGN

We are using adaptive optics on Keck and the VLT to probe the dynamics and star formation in Seyfert and QSO nuclei, obtaining spatial resolutions better than 0.1′′ in the Hand K-bands. The dynamics are traced via the 2.12 μm H2 1-0 S(1) line, while the stellar cluster is traced through the CO 2-0 and 6-3 absorption bandheads at 2.29 μm and 1.62 μm respectively. Matching disk models to the H2 rotation curves allows us to study nuclear rings, bars, and warps; and to constrain the mass of the central black hole. The spatial extent and equivalent width of the stellar absorption permits us to estimate the mass of stars in the nucleus and their contribution to the emission. Here we report on new data for I Zwicky 1, Markarian 231, and NGC7469.