ISO spectroscopy of luminous galaxies

Conference item

Spectroscopy with SWS and ISOPHOT-S has opened a new window for studies of the nuclei of external galaxies. We present selected results of observations of starburst galaxies and active galactic nuclei and discuss the mid-infrared extinction law. The flux ratio of high and low excitation fine structure lines and the strength of the 'PAH' emission features are mid-infrared spectroscopic tools that allow to distinguish between starburst and AGNs in heavily obscured galactic nuclei. We have verified these tools on template starburst and AGN galaxies and apply them to a sample of ultraluminous infrared galaxies, finding that most of them are predominantly powered by starburst activity.

Authors: Lutz, D; Genzel, R; Sturm, E; Kunze, D; Spoon, H

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: FIRST ISO WORKSHOP ON ANALYTICAL SPECTROSCOPY
• Volume: 419
• Pages: 143-148
• Publication date: 1997-01-01
• Event title: 1st ISO Workshop on Analytical Spectroscopy
• ISSN: 0379-6566
• ISBN: 9290926767
• Keywords: ultraluminous infrared galaxies; starburst galaxies; extinction; active galactic nuclei; infrared spectroscopy