Abstract
We present an analysis of the kinematics and excitation of the warm ionized
gas in two obscured, powerful quasars at z>=3.5 from the SWIRE survey, SWIRE
J022513.90-043419.9 and SWIRE J022550.67-042142, based on imaging spectroscopy
on the VLT. Line ratios in both targets are consistent with luminous
narrow-line regions of AGN. SWIRE J022550.67-042142 has very broad (FWHM=2000
km/s), spatially compact OIII line emission. SWIRE J022513.90-043419.9 is
spatially resolved, has complex line profiles of H-beta and OIII, including
broad wings with blueshifts of up to -1500 km/s relative to the narrow
OIII5007 component, and widths of up to FWHM=5000 km/s. Estimating the
systemic redshift from the narrow H-beta line, as is standard for AGN host
galaxies, implies that a significant fraction of the molecular gas is
blueshifted by up to ~ -1000 km/s relative to the systemic velocity. Thus the
molecular gas could be participating in the outflow. Significant fractions of
the ionized and molecular gas reach velocities greater than the escape
velocity. We compare empirical and modeling constraints for different energy
injection mechanisms, such as merging, star formation, and momentum-driven AGN
winds. We argue that the radio source is the most likely culprit, in spite of
the sources rather modest radio power of 10^25 W/Hz. Such a radio power is not
uncommon for intense starburst galaxies at z~2. We discuss these results in
light of the co-evolution of AGN and their host galaxy.
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