XMM-Newton study of the ULIRG NGC 6240

Abstract

A recently performed XMM-Newton observation of the ULIRG NGC 6240 clearly indicates the presence of an AGN contribution to its X-ray spectrum. In the 5.0 - 7.0 keV energy range there is a clear signature of the fluorescent Fe K lines at 6.4, 6.7 and 6.9 keV, respectively. The line strength of the 6.4 keV line cannot be produced by a thermal component. The 0.3 - 10.0 keV spectral energy distribution is characterized by the following components: (I) two hot thermal components (the starburst), (II) one direct component (heavily absorbed; AGN is hidden), (III) one reflection component (the AGN), (IV) three narrow Fe lines. The model parameters for the broad-band spectral energy distribution are consistent with the results of previously works.