@article {2015ApJ...799...11X, title = {{ALMA Observations of Warm Dense Gas in NGC 1614 - Breaking of the Star Formation Law in the Central Kiloparsec}}, journal = {The Astrophysical Journal}, volume = {799}, year = {2015}, month = {jan}, pages = {11}, abstract = {We present ALMA Cycle-0 observations of the CO (6-5) line emission and of the 435 {$μ$}m dust continuum emission in the central kiloparsec of NGC 1614, a local luminous infrared galaxy at a distance of 67.8 Mpc (1$\{$$^{\prime \prime }$$\}$= 329 pc). The CO emission is well resolved by the ALMA beam (0.{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}26 {\times} 0.{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}20) into a circumnuclear ring, with an integrated flux of f $_{ CO(6-5)}$ = 898 ({\plusmn} 153) Jy km s$^{-1}$, which is 63({\plusmn} 12)\% of the total CO (6-5) flux measured by Herschel. The molecular ring, located between 100 pc {\l}t} r {\l}t} 350 pc from the nucleus, looks clumpy and includes seven unresolved (or marginally resolved) knots with median velocity dispersion of \~{}40 km s$^{-1}$. These knots are associated with strong star formation regions with {$Σ$}$_{SFR}$ \~{} 100 M $_{\&sun;}$ yr$^{-1}$ kpc$^{-2}$ and {$Σ$} $_{Gas}${\tilde} 10$^{4}$ $\{$M$\}$\_{\sun} pc$^{-2}$. The non-detections of the nucleus in both the CO (6-5) line emission and the 435 {$μ$}m continuum rule out, with relatively high confidence, a Compton-thick active galactic nucleus in NGC 1614. Comparisons with radio continuum emission show a strong deviation from an expected local correlation between {$Σ$}$_{Gas}$ and {$Σ$}$_{SFR}$, indicating a breakdown of the Kennicutt-Schmidt law on the linear scale of \~{}100 pc. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.}, keywords = {galaxies: active, galaxies: evolution, galaxies: general, galaxies: interactions, galaxies: ISM, galaxies: magnetic fields, galaxies: nuclei, galaxies: starburst, submillimeter: galaxies}, doi = {10.1088/0004-637X/799/1/11}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2015ApJ...799...11X}, author = {Xu, C.~K. and Cao, C. and Lu, N. and Gao, Y. and Diaz-Santos, T. and R. Herrero-Illana and Meijerink, R. and Privon, G. and Zhao, Y.-H. and Evans, A.~S. and K{\"o}nig, S. and Mazzarella, J.~M. and Aalto, S. and Appleton, P. and Armus, L. and Charmandaris, V. and Chu, J. and Haan, S. and Inami, H. and Murphy, E.~J. and Sanders, D.~B. and Schulz, B. and van der Werf, P.} } @article {233, title = {{Excitation Mechanisms for HCN (1-0) and HCO+ (1-0) in Galaxies from the Great Observatories All-sky LIRG Survey}}, journal = {ArXiv e-prints}, year = {2015}, keywords = {Astrophysics - Astrophysics of Galaxies}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2015arXiv150907512P}, author = {Privon, G.~C. and Herrero-Illana, R. and Evans, A.~S. and Iwasawa, K. and Perez-Torres, M.~A. and Armus, L. and Diaz-Santos, T. and Murphy, E.~J. and Stierwalt, S. and Aalto, S. and Mazzarella, J.~M. and Barcos-Munoz, L. and Borish, H.~J. and Inami, H. and Kim, D.-C. and Treister, E. and Surace, J.~A. and Lord, S. and Conway, J. and Frayer, D.~T. and Alberdi, A.} } @article {214, title = {{Exploring the molecular chemistry and excitation in obscured luminous infrared galaxies: An ALMA mm-wave spectral scan of NGC 4418}}, journal = {ArXiv e-prints}, year = {2015}, keywords = {Astrophysics - Astrophysics of Galaxies}, author = {Costagliola, F. and Sakamoto, K. and Muller, S. and Mart{\'\i}n, S. and Aalto, S. and Harada, N. and van der Werf, P. and Viti, S. and Garcia-Burillo, S. and Spaans, M.} } @article {2015A\&A...574A..85A, title = {{High resolution observations of HCN and HCO$^{+}$J = 3-2 in the disk and outflow of Mrk 231. Detection of vibrationally excited HCN in the warped nucleus}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {574}, year = {2015}, month = {feb}, pages = {A85}, abstract = {
Aims: Our goal is to study molecular gas properties in nuclei and large scale outflows/winds from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and starburst galaxies.
Methods: We obtained high resolution (0.{\#779}25 to 0.{\#779}90) observations of HCN and HCO$^{+}$J = 3 {\rarr} 2 of the ultraluminous QSO galaxy Mrk 231 with the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer (PdBI).
Results: We find luminous HCN and HCO$^{+}$J = 3 {\rarr} 2 emission in the main disk and we detect compact (r {\l}sim} 0{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}\&dotbelow;1 (90 pc)) vibrationally excited HCN J = 3 {\rarr} 2{$ν$}$_{2}$ = 1f emission centred on the nucleus. The velocity field of the vibrationally excited HCN is strongly inclined (position angle PA = 155{\deg}) compared to the east-west rotation of the main disk. The nuclear (r {\l}sim} 0.{\#779}1) molecular mass is estimated to 8 {\times} 10$^{8}$ M$_{\&sun;}$ with an average N(H$_{2}$) of 1.2 {\times} 10$^{24}$ cm$^{-2}$. Prominent, spatially extended ({\gsim}350 pc) line wings are found for HCN J = 3 {\rarr} 2 with velocities up to {\plusmn} 750 km s$^{-1}$. Line ratios indicate that the emission is emerging in dense gas n = 10$^{4}$-5 {\times} 10$^{5}$ cm$^{-3}$ of elevated HCN abundance X(HCN) = 10$^{-8}$-10$^{-6}$. The highest X(HCN) also allows for the emission to originate in gas of more moderate density. We tentatively detect nuclear emission from the reactive ion HOC$^{+}$ with HCO$^{+}$/HOC$^{+}$ = 10-20.
Conclusions: The HCN {$ν$}$_{2}$ = 1f line emission is consistent with the notion of a hot, dusty, warped inner disk of Mrk 231 where the {$ν$}$_{2}$ = 1f line is excited by bright mid-IR 14 {$μ$}m continuum. We estimate the vibrational temperature T$_{vib}$ to 200-400 K. Based on relative source sizes we propose that 50\% of the main HCN emission may have its excitation affected by the radiation field through IR pumping of the vibrational ground state. The HCN emission in the line wings, however, is more extended and thus likely not strongly affected by IR pumping. Our results reveal that dense clouds survive (and/or are formed) in the AGN outflow on scales of at least several hundred pc before evaporating or collapsing. The elevated HCN abundance in the outflow is consistent with warm chemistry possibly related to shocks and/or X-ray irradiated gas. An upper limit to the mass and momentum flux is 4 {\times} 10$^{8}$ M$_{\&sun;}$ and 12L$_{AGN}$/c, respectively, and we discuss possible driving mechanisms for the dense outflow. Based on observations carried out with the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer. IRAM is supported by INSU/CNRS (France), MPG (Germany) and IGN (Spain).The reduced data cubes are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/574/A85}, keywords = {galaxies: active, galaxies: evolution, galaxies: individual: Mrk 231, ISM: jets and outflows, ISM: molecules, quasars: general}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201423987}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2015A\%26A...574A..85A}, author = {Aalto, S. and S. Garc{\'\i}a-Burillo and Muller, S. and Winters, J.~M. and Gonzalez-Alfonso, E. and van der Werf, P. and Henkel, C. and F. Costagliola and Neri, R.} } @article {213, title = {{High-resolution imaging of the molecular outflows in two mergers: IRAS 17208-0014 and NGC 1614}}, journal = {Astronomy \& Astrophysics}, volume = {580}, year = {2015}, pages = {A35}, keywords = {galaxies: individual: IRAS 17208-0014, galaxies: individual: NGC1614, galaxies: ISM, galaxies: kinematics and dynamics, galaxies: nuclei, galaxies: starburst}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201526133}, author = {Garcia-Burillo, S. and Combes, F. and Usero, A. and Aalto, S. and Colina, L. and Alonso-Herrero, A. and Hunt, L.~K. and Arribas, S. and Costagliola, F. and Labiano, A. and Neri, R. and Pereira-Santaella, M. and Tacconi, L.~J. and van der Werf, P.~P.} } @article {215, title = {{Probing highly obscured, self-absorbed galaxy nuclei with vibrationally excited HCN}}, journal = {ArXiv e-prints}, year = {2015}, keywords = {Astrophysics - Astrophysics of Galaxies}, author = {Aalto, S. and Costagliola, F. and Gonzalez-Alfonso, E. and Muller, S. and Sakamoto, K. and Fuller, G.~A. and Garcia-Burillo, S. and van der Werf, P. and Neri, R. and Spaans, M. and Combes, F. and Viti, S. and Muehle, S. and Armus, L. and Evans, A. and Sturm, E. and Cernicharo, J. and Henkel, C. and Greve, T.~R.} } @article {2015A\&A...574A.114V, title = {{Subarcsecond international LOFAR radio images of the M82 nucleus at 118 MHz and 154 MHz}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {574}, year = {2015}, month = {feb}, pages = {A114}, abstract = {Context. The nuclear starburst in the nearby galaxy M82 provides an excellent laboratory for understanding the physics of star formation. This galaxy has been extensively observed in the past, revealing tens of radio-bright compact objects embedded in a diffuse free-free absorbing medium. Our understanding of the structure and physics of this medium in M82 can be greatly improved by high-resolution images at low frequencies where the effects of free-free absorption are most prominent.
Aims: The aims of this study are, firstly, to demonstrate imaging using international baselines of the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR), and secondly, to constrain low-frequency spectra of compact and diffuse emission in the central starburst region of M82 via high-resolution radio imaging at low frequencies.
Methods: The international LOFAR telescope was used to observe M82 at 110-126 MHz and 146-162 MHz. Images were obtained using standard techniques from very long baseline interferometry. images were obtained at each frequency range: one only using international baselines, and one only using the longest Dutch (remote) baselines.
Results: The 154 MHz image obtained using international baselines is a new imaging record in terms of combined image resolution (0.3{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}) and sensitivity ({$\sigma$} = 0.15 mJy/beam) at low frequencies ({\l}t}327 MHz). We detected 16 objects at 154 MHz, six of these also at 118 MHz. Seven objects detected at 154 MHz have not been catalogued previously. For the nine objects previously detected, we obtained spectral indices and emission measures by fitting models to spectra (combining LOFAR with literature data). Four weaker but resolved features are also found: a linear (50 pc) filament and three other resolved objects, of which two show a clear shell structure. We do not detect any emission from either supernova 2008iz or from the radio transient source 43.78+59.3. The images obtained using remote baselines show diffuse emission, associated with the outflow in M82, with reduced brightness in the region of the edge-on star-forming disk.}, keywords = {galaxies: individual: M82, galaxies: star formation, galaxies: starburst, supernovae: individual: 2008iz, techniques: high angular resolution, techniques: interferometric}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201425089}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2015A\%26A...574A.114V}, author = {Varenius, E. and Conway, J.~E. and Mart{\'\i}-Vidal, I. and Beswick, R. and Deller, A.~T. and Wucknitz, O. and Jackson, N. and Adebahr, B. and M. A. P{\'e}rez-Torres and Chy{\.z}y, K.~T. and Carozzi, T.~D. and Mold{\'o}n, J. and Aalto, S. and Beck, R. and Best, P. and Dettmar, R.-J. and van Driel, W. and Brunetti, G. and Br{\"u}ggen, M. and Haverkorn, M. and Heald, G. and Horellou, C. and Jarvis, M.~J. and Morabito, L.~K. and Miley, G.~K. and R{\"o}ttgering, H.~J.~A. and Toribio, M.~C. and White, G.~J.} } @article {2014A\&A...564A.121C, title = {{The molecular gas reservoir of 6 low-metallicity galaxies from the Herschel Dwarf Galaxy Survey. A ground-based follow-up survey of CO(1-0), CO(2-1), and CO(3-2)}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {564}, year = {2014}, month = {apr}, pages = {A121}, abstract = {Context. Observations of nearby starburst and spiral galaxies have revealed that molecular gas is the driver of star formation. However, some nearby low-metallicity dwarf galaxies are actively forming stars, but CO, the most common tracer of this reservoir, is faint, leaving us with a puzzle about how star formation proceeds in these environments.
Aims: We aim to quantify the molecular gas reservoir in a subset of 6 galaxies from the Herschel Dwarf Galaxy Survey with newly acquired CO data and to link this reservoir to the observed star formation activity.
Methods: We present CO(1-0), CO(2-1), and CO(3-2) observations obtained at the ATNF Mopra 22-m, APEX, and IRAM 30-m telescopes, as well as [C ii] 157{$μ$}m and [O i] 63{$μ$}m observations obtained with the Herschel/PACS spectrometer in the 6 low-metallicity dwarf galaxies: Haro 11, Mrk 1089, Mrk 930, NGC 4861, NGC 625, and UM 311. We derived their molecular gas masses from several methods, including using the CO-to-H$_{2}$ conversion factor X$_{CO}$ (both Galactic and metallicity-scaled values) and dust measurements. The molecular and atomic gas reservoirs were compared to the star formation activity. We also constrained the physical conditions of the molecular clouds using the non-LTE code RADEX and the spectral synthesis code Cloudy.
Results: We detect CO in 5 of the 6 galaxies, including first detections in Haro 11 (Z \~{} 0.4 Z$_{\&sun;}$), Mrk 930 (0.2 Z$_{\&sun;}$), and UM 311 (0.5 Z$_{\&sun;}$), but CO remains undetected in NGC 4861 (0.2 Z$_{\&sun;}$). The CO luminosities are low, while [C ii] is bright in these galaxies, resulting in [C ii]/CO(1-0) {\ge} 10 000. Our dwarf galaxies are in relatively good agreement with the Schmidt-Kennicutt relation for total gas. They show short molecular depletion timescales, even when considering metallicity-scaled X$_{CO}$ factors. Those galaxies are dominated by their H i gas, except Haro 11, which has high star formation efficiency and is dominated by ionized and molecular gas. We determine the mass of each ISM phase in Haro 11 using Cloudy and estimate an equivalent X$_{CO}$ factor that is 10 times higher than the Galactic value. Overall, our results confirm the emerging picture that CO suffers from significant selective photodissociation in low-metallicity dwarf galaxies.}, keywords = {galaxies: dwarf, galaxies: ISM, infrared: galaxies, ISM: molecules, radio lines: galaxies}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201322096}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2014A\%26A...564A.121C}, author = {Cormier, D. and Madden, S.~C. and Lebouteiller, V. and Hony, S. and Aalto, S. and F. Costagliola and Hughes, A. and R{\'e}my-Ruyer, A. and Abel, N. and Bayet, E. and Bigiel, F. and Cannon, J.~M. and Cumming, R.~J. and Galametz, M. and Galliano, F. and Viti, S. and Wu, R.} } @article {220, title = {{The molecular gas reservoir of 6 low-metallicity galaxies from the Herschel Dwarf Galaxy Survey. A ground-based follow-up survey of CO(1-0), CO(2-1), and CO(3-2)}}, journal = {\aap}, volume = {564}, year = {2014}, pages = {A121}, keywords = {galaxies: dwarf, galaxies: ISM, infrared: galaxies, ISM: molecules, radio lines: galaxies}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201322096}, author = {Cormier, D. and Madden, S.~C. and Lebouteiller, V. and Hony, S. and Aalto, S. and Costagliola, F. and Hughes, A. and R{\'e}my-Ruyer, A. and Abel, N. and Bayet, E. and Bigiel, F. and Cannon, J.~M. and Cumming, R.~J. and Galametz, M. and Galliano, F. and Viti, S. and Wu, R.} } @article {218, title = {{Molecular line emission in NGC 1068 imaged with ALMA. I. An AGN-driven outflow in the dense molecular gas}}, journal = {\aap}, volume = {567}, year = {2014}, pages = {A125}, keywords = {galaxies: individual: NGC 1068, galaxies: ISM, galaxies: kinematics and dynamics, galaxies: nuclei, galaxies: Seyfert, radio lines: galaxies}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201423843}, author = {Garcia-Burillo, S. and Combes, F. and Usero, A. and Aalto, S. and Krips, M. and Viti, S. and Alonso-Herrero, A. and Hunt, L.~K. and Schinnerer, E. and Baker, A.~J. and Boone, F. and Casasola, V. and Colina, L. and Costagliola, F. and Eckart, A. and Fuente, A. and Henkel, C. and Labiano, A. and Mart{\'\i}n, S. and Marquez, I. and Muller, S. and Planesas, P. and Ramos Almeida, C. and Spaans, M. and Tacconi, L.~J. and van der Werf, P.~P.} } @article {2014A\&A...567A.125G, title = {{Molecular line emission in NGC 1068 imaged with ALMA. I. An AGN-driven outflow in the dense molecular gas}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {567}, year = {2014}, month = {jul}, pages = {A125}, abstract = {
Aims: We investigate the fueling and the feedback of star formation and nuclear activity in NGC 1068, a nearby (D = 14 Mpc) Seyfert 2 barred galaxy, by analyzing the distribution and kinematics of the molecular gas in the disk. We aim to understand if and how gas accretion can self-regulate.
Methods: We have used the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) to map the emission of a set of dense molecular gas (n(H$_{2}$) {\sime} 10$^{5 - 6}$ cm$^{-3}$) tracers (CO(3-2), CO(6-5), HCN(4-3), HCO$^{+}$(4-3), and CS(7-6)) and their underlying continuum emission in the central r \~{} 2 kpc of NGC 1068 with spatial resolutions \~{}0.3{\Prime} - 0.5{\Prime} (\~{}20-35 pc for the assumed distance of D = 14 Mpc).
Results: The sensitivity and spatial resolution of ALMA give an unprecedented detailed view of the distribution and kinematics of the dense molecular gas (n(H$_{2}$) {\ge} 10$^{5 - 6}$cm$^{-3}$) in NGC 1068. Molecular line and dust continuum emissions are detected from a r \~{} 200 pc off-centered circumnuclear disk (CND), from the 2.6 kpc-diameter bar region, and from the r \~{} 1.3 kpc starburst (SB) ring. Most of the emission in HCO$^{+}$, HCN, and CS stems from the CND. Molecular line ratios show dramatic order-of-magnitude changes inside the CND that are correlated with the UV/X-ray illumination by the active galactic nucleus (AGN), betraying ongoing feedback. We used the dust continuum fluxes measured by ALMA together with NIR/MIR data to constrain the properties of the putative torus using CLUMPY models and found a torus radius of 20$^{+6}$$_{-10}$pc. The Fourier decomposition of the gas velocity field indicates that rotation is perturbed by an inward radial flow in the SB ring and the bar region. However, the gas kinematics from r \~{} 50 pc out to r \~{} 400 pc reveal a massive (M$_{mol}$\~{} 2.7$^{+0.9}$$_{-1.2}$ {\times} 10$^{7}$ M$_{\&sun;}$) outflow in all molecular tracers. The tight correlation between the ionized gas outflow, the radio jet, and the occurrence of outward motions in the disk suggests that the outflow is AGN driven.
Conclusions: The molecular outflow is likely launched when the ionization cone of the narrow line region sweeps the nuclear disk. The outflow rate estimated in the CND, dM/dt\~{} 63$^{+21}$$_{-37}$ M$_{\&sun;}$ yr$^{-1}$, is an order of magnitude higher than the star formation rate at these radii, confirming that the outflow is AGN driven. The power of the AGN is able to account for the estimated momentum and kinetic luminosity of the outflow. The CND mass load rate of the CND outflow implies a very short gas depletion timescale of {\l}e}1 Myr. The CND gas reservoir is likely replenished on longer timescales by efficient gas inflow from the outer disk. Based on observations carried out with ALMA in Cycle 0.}, keywords = {galaxies: individual: NGC 1068, galaxies: ISM, galaxies: kinematics and dynamics, galaxies: nuclei, galaxies: Seyfert, radio lines: galaxies}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201423843}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2014A\%26A...567A.125G}, author = {S. Garc{\'\i}a-Burillo and Combes, F. and Usero, A. and Aalto, S. and Krips, M. and Viti, S. and Alonso-Herrero, A. and Hunt, L.~K. and Schinnerer, E. and Baker, A.~J. and Boone, F. and Casasola, V. and Colina, L. and F. Costagliola and Eckart, A. and Fuente, A. and Henkel, C. and Labiano, A. and Mart{\'\i}n, S. and Marquez, I. and Muller, S. and Planesas, P. and Ramos Almeida, C. and Spaans, M. and Tacconi, L.~J. and van der Werf, P.~P.} } @article {2014A\&A...570A..28V, title = {{Molecular line emission in NGC 1068 imaged with ALMA. II. The chemistry of the dense molecular gas}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {570}, year = {2014}, month = {oct}, pages = {A28}, abstract = {
Aims: We present a detailed analysis of Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Bands 7 and 9 data of CO, HCO$^{+}$, HCN, and CS, augmented with Plateau de Bure Interferometer (PdBI) data of the \~{}200 pc circumnuclear disc (CND) and the \~{}1.3 kpc starburst ring (SB ring) of NGC 1068, a nearby (D = 14 Mpc) Seyfert 2 barred galaxy. We aim to determine the physical characteristics of the dense gas present in the CND, and to establish whether the different line intensity ratios we find within the CND, as well as between the CND and the SB ring, are due to excitation effects (gas density and temperature differences) or to a different chemistry.
Methods: We estimate the column densities of each species in local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). We then compute large one-dimensional, non-LTE radiative transfer grids (using RADEX) by using only the CO transitions first, and then all the available molecules to constrain the densities, temperatures, and column densities within the CND. We finally present a preliminary set of chemical models to determine the origin of the gas.
Results: We find that, in general, the gas in the CND is very dense ({\gt}10$^{5}$ cm$^{-3}$) and hot (T{\gt} 150 K), with differences especially in the temperature across the CND. The AGN position has the lowest CO/HCO$^{+}$, CO/HCN, and CO/CS column density ratios. The RADEX analyses seem to indicate that there is chemical differentiation across the CND. We also find differences between the chemistry of the SB ring and some regions of the CND; the SB ring is also much colder and less dense than the CND. Chemical modelling does not succeed in reproducing all the molecular ratios with one model per region, suggesting the presence of multi-gas phase components.
Conclusions: The LTE, RADEX, and chemical analyses all indicate that more than one gas-phase component is necessary to uniquely fit all the available molecular ratios within the CND. A higher number of molecular transitions at the ALMA resolution is necessary to determine quantitatively the physical and chemical characteristics of these components. Tables 5-11 are available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org}, keywords = {galaxies: active, galaxies: individual: NGC 1068, galaxies: ISM, galaxies: nuclei, molecular processes, radio lines: galaxies}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201424116}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2014A\%26A...570A..28V}, author = {Viti, S. and S. Garc{\'\i}a-Burillo and Fuente, A. and Hunt, L.~K. and Usero, A. and Henkel, C. and Eckart, A. and Mart{\'\i}n, S. and Spaans, M. and Muller, S. and Combes, F. and Krips, M. and Schinnerer, E. and Casasola, V. and F. Costagliola and Marquez, I. and Planesas, P. and van der Werf, P.~P. and Aalto, S. and Baker, A.~J. and Boone, F. and Tacconi, L.~J.} } @article {217, title = {{Molecular line emission in NGC 1068 imaged with ALMA. II. The chemistry of the dense molecular gas}}, journal = {\aap}, volume = {570}, year = {2014}, pages = {A28}, keywords = {galaxies: active, galaxies: individual: NGC 1068, galaxies: ISM, galaxies: nuclei, molecular processes, radio lines: galaxies}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201424116}, author = {Viti, S. and Garcia-Burillo, S. and Fuente, A. and Hunt, L.~K. and Usero, A. and Henkel, C. and Eckart, A. and Mart{\'\i}n, S. and Spaans, M. and Muller, S. and Combes, F. and Krips, M. and Schinnerer, E. and Casasola, V. and Costagliola, F. and Marquez, I. and Planesas, P. and van der Werf, P.~P. and Aalto, S. and Baker, A.~J. and Boone, F. and Tacconi, L.~J.} } @article {2014A\&A...566A..15V, title = {{The radio core structure of the luminous infrared galaxy NGC 4418. A young clustered starburst revealed?}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {566}, year = {2014}, month = {jun}, pages = {A15}, abstract = {Context. The galaxy NGC 4418 contains one of the most compact obscured nuclei within a luminous infrared galaxy (LIRG) in the nearby Universe. This nucleus contains a rich molecular gas environment and an unusually high ratio of infrared-to-radio luminosity (q-factor). The compact nucleus is powered by either a compact starburst or an active galactic nucleus (AGN).
Aims: The aim of this study is to constrain the nature of the nuclear region (starburst or AGN) within NGC 4418 via very-high-resolution radio imaging.
Methods: Archival data from radio observations using the European Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network (EVN) and Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN) interferometers are imaged. Sizes and flux densities are obtained by fitting Gaussian intensity distributions to the image. The average spectral index of the compact radio emission is estimated from measurements at 1.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz.
Results: The nuclear structure of NGC 4418 visible with EVN and MERLIN consists of eight compact ({\l}t}49 mas i.e. {\l}t}8 pc) features spread within a region of 250 mas, i.e. 41 pc. We derive an inverted spectral index {$\alpha$} {\ge} 0.7 (S$_{nu}$ {\prop} {$ν$}$^{alpha}$) for the compact radio emission.
Conclusions: Brightness temperatures {\gt}10$^{4.8}$ K indicate that these compact features cannot be HII-regions. The complex morphology and inverted spectrum of the eight detected compact features is evidence against the hypothesis that an AGN alone is powering the nucleus of NGC 4418. The compact features could be super star clusters with intense star formation, and their associated free-free absorption could then naturally explain both their inverted radio spectrum and the low radio-to-IR ratio of the nucleus. The required star formation area density is extreme, however, and close to the limit of what can be observed in a well-mixed thermal/non-thermal plasma produced by star formation, and is also close to the limit of what can be physically sustained.}, keywords = {galaxies: individual: NGC 4418, galaxies: Seyfert, galaxies: star formation}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201323303}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2014A\%26A...566A..15V}, author = {Varenius, E. and Conway, J.~E. and Mart{\'\i}-Vidal, I. and Aalto, S. and Beswick, R. and F. Costagliola and Kl{\"o}ckner, H.-R.} } @article {219, title = {{The radio core structure of the luminous infrared galaxy NGC 4418. A young clustered starburst revealed?}}, journal = {\aap}, volume = {566}, year = {2014}, pages = {A15}, keywords = {galaxies: individual: NGC 4418, galaxies: Seyfert, galaxies: star formation}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201323303}, author = {Varenius, E. and Conway, J.~E. and Mart{\'\i}-Vidal, I. and Aalto, S. and Beswick, R. and Costagliola, F. and Kl{\"o}ckner, H.-R.} } @article {221, title = {{High-resolution mm and cm study of the obscured LIRG NGC 4418 . A compact obscured nucleus fed by in-falling gas?}}, journal = {\aap}, volume = {556}, year = {2013}, pages = {A66}, keywords = {galaxies: active, galaxies: individual: NGC 4418, galaxies: ISM, galaxies: kinematics and dynamics, galaxies: starburst}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201220634}, author = {Costagliola, F. and Aalto, S. and Sakamoto, K. and Mart{\'\i}n, S. and Beswick, R. and Muller, S. and Kl{\"o}ckner, H.-R.} } @article {2013A\&A...556A..66C, title = {{High-resolution mm and cm study of the obscured LIRG NGC 4418 . A compact obscured nucleus fed by in-falling gas?}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {556}, year = {2013}, month = {aug}, pages = {A66}, abstract = {Context. Understanding the nature of the power-source in luminous infrared galaxies (LIRG) is difficult due to their extreme obscuration. Observations at radio and mm wavelengths can penetrate large columns of dust and gas and provide unique insights into the properties of the compact obscured nuclei of LIRGs.
Aims: The aim of this study is to constrain the dynamics, structure, and feeding of the compact nucleus of NGC 4418, and to reveal the nature of the main hidden power-source: starburst or active galactic nucleus (AGN).
Methods: We obtained high spatial resolution observations of NGC 4418 at 1.4 and 5 GHz with MERLIN, and at 230 and 270 GHz with the SMA in very extended configuration. We used the continuum morphology and flux density to estimate the size of the emitting region, the star formation rate, and the dust temperature. Emission lines were used to study kinematics through position-velocity diagrams. Molecular emission was studied with population diagrams and by fitting a local thermal equilibrium (LTE) synthetic spectrum.
Results: We detect bright 1-mm-line emission from CO, HC$_{3}$N, HNC, and C$^{34}$S and 1.4 GHz absorption from HI. The CO 2-1 emission and HI absorption can be fit by two velocity components at 2090 and 2180 km s$^{-1}$. We detect vibrationally excited HC$_{3}$N and HNC, with T$_{vib}$ \~{} 300 K. Molecular excitation is consistent with a layered temperature structure, with three main components at 80, 160, and 300 K. For the hot component we estimate a source size of less than 5 pc. The nuclear molecular gas surface density of 10$^{4}$M$_{\&sun;}$ pc$^{-2}$ is extremely high and similar to that found in the ultra-luminous infrared galaxy (ULIRG) Arp220.
Conclusions: Our observations confirm the presence of a molecular and atomic in-flow, previously suggested by Herschel observations, which is feeding the activity in the center of NGC 4418. Molecular excitation confirms the presence of a very compact, hot dusty core. If a starburst is responsible for the observed IR flux, this has to be at least as extreme as the one in the ULIRG Arp 220, with an age of 3-10 Myr and a star formation rate {\gt}10 M$_{\&sun;}$ yr$^{-1}$. If an AGN is present, it must be extremely Compton-thick. Appendix A is only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org}, keywords = {galaxies: active, galaxies: individual: NGC 4418, galaxies: ISM, galaxies: kinematics and dynamics, galaxies: starburst}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201220634}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2013A\%26A...556A..66C}, author = {F. Costagliola and Aalto, S. and Sakamoto, K. and Mart{\'\i}n, S. and Beswick, R. and Muller, S. and Kl{\"o}ckner, H.-R.} } @article {2013ApJ...764...42S, title = {{Submillimeter Interferometry of the Luminous Infrared Galaxy NGC 4418: A Hidden Hot Nucleus with an Inflow and an Outflow}}, journal = {The Astrophysical Journal}, volume = {764}, year = {2013}, month = {feb}, pages = {42}, abstract = {We have observed the nucleus of the nearby luminous infrared galaxy NGC 4418 with subarcsec resolution at 860 and 450 {$μ$}m for the first time to characterize its hidden power source. A \~{}20 pc (0.{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}1) hot dusty core was found inside a 100 pc scale concentration of molecular gas at the galactic center. The 860 {$μ$}m continuum core has a deconvolved (peak) brightness temperature of 120-210 K. The CO(3-2) peak brightness temperature there is as high as 90 K at 50 pc resolution. The core has a bolometric luminosity of about 10$^{11}$ L $_{\&sun;}$, which accounts for most of the galaxy luminosity. It is Compton thick (N $_{H}$ {\gt}\~{} 10$^{25}$ cm$^{-2}$) and has a high luminosity-to-mass ratio (L/M) \~{} 500 L $_{\&sun;}$ M $_{\&sun;}$ $^{-1}$ as well as a high luminosity surface density 10$^{8.5 {\textpm} 0.5}$ L $_{\&sun;}$ pc$^{-2}$. These parameters are consistent with an active galactic nucleus to be the main luminosity source (with an Eddington ratio about 0.3), while they can be also due to a young starburst near its maximum L/M. We also found an optical color (reddening) feature that we attribute to an outflow cone emanating from the nucleus. The hidden hot nucleus thus shows evidence of both an inflow, previously seen with absorption lines, and the new outflow reported here in a different direction. The nucleus must be rapidly evolving with these gas flows.}, keywords = {galaxies: active, galaxies: evolution, galaxies: individual: NGC 4418, galaxies: ISM}, doi = {10.1088/0004-637X/764/1/42}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2013ApJ...764...42S}, author = {Sakamoto, K. and Aalto, S. and F. Costagliola and Mart{\'\i}n, S. and Ohyama, Y. and Wiedner, M.~C. and Wilner, D.~J.} } @article {2012A\&A...537A..44A, title = {{Detection of HCN, HCO$^{+}$, and HNC in the Mrk 231 molecular outflow. Dense molecular gas in the AGN wind}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {537}, year = {2012}, month = {jan}, pages = {A44}, abstract = {
Aims: Our goal is to study gas properties in large-scale molecular outflows and winds from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and starburst galaxies.
Methods: We obtained high-resolution (1.{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}55 {\times} 1.{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}28) observations of HCN, HCO$^{+}$, HNC 1-0 and HC$_{3}$N 10-9 of the ultraluminous galaxy (ULIRG) Mrk 231 with the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer.
Results: We detect luminous emission from HCN, HCO$^{+}$ and HNC 1-0 in the QSO ULIRG Mrk 231. All three lines show broad line wings - which are particularly prominent for HCN. Velocities are found to be similar ( {\ap} {\plusmn} 750 km s$^{-1}$) to those found for CO 1-0. This is the first time bright HCN, HCO$^{+}$ and HNC emission has been detected in a large-scale galactic outflow. We find that both the blue- and red-shifted line wings are spatially extended by at least 0.{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}75 ({\gt}700 pc) in a north-south direction. The line wings are brighter (relative to the line center intensity) in HCN than in CO 1-0 and line ratios suggest that the molecular outflow consists of dense (n {\gt} 10$^{4}$ cm$^{-3}$) and clumpy gas with a high HCN abundance X(HCN) {\gt} 10$^{-8}$. These properties are consistent with the molecular gas being compressed and fragmented by shocks in the outflow. Alternatively, HCN is instead pumped by mid-IR continuum, but we propose that this effect is not strong for the spatially extended outflowing gas. In addition, we find that the rotation of the main disk, in east-west direction, is also evident in the HCN, HCO$^{+}$ and HNC line emission. An unexpectedly bright HC$_{3}$N 10-9 line is detected inside the central 400 pc of Mrk 231. This HC$_{3}$N emission may emerge from a shielded, dust-enshrouded region within the inner 40-50 pc where the gas is heated to high temperatures (200-300 K) by the AGN. Based on observations carried out with the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer. IRAM is supported by INSU/CNRS (France), MPG (Germany) and IGN (Spain).}, keywords = {galaxies: active, galaxies: evolution, galaxies: individual: Mrk 231, ISM: molecules, quasars: general, radio lines: ISM}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201117919}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2012A\%26A...537A..44A}, author = {Aalto, S. and S. Garc{\'\i}a-Burillo and Muller, S. and Winters, J.~M. and van der Werf, P. and Henkel, C. and F. Costagliola and Neri, R.} } @article {2012A\&A...546A..68A, title = {{Winds of change - a molecular outflow in NGC 1377?. The anatomy of an extreme FIR-excess galaxy}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {546}, year = {2012}, month = {oct}, pages = {A68}, abstract = {
Aims: Our goal was to investigate the molecular gas distribution and kinematics in the extreme far-infrared (FIR) excess galaxy NGC 1377 and to address the nature and evolutionary status of the buried source.
Methods: We used high- (0{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}65 {\times} 0{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}52, (65 {\times} 52 pc)) and low- (4{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}88 {\times} 2{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}93) resolution SubMillimeter Array (SMA) observations to image the $^{12}$CO and $^{13}$CO 2-1 line emission.
Results: We find bright, complex $^{12}$CO 2-1 line emission in the inner 400 pc of NGC 1377. The $^{12}$CO 2-1 line has wings that are tracing a kinematical component that appears to be perpendicular to the component traced by the line core. Together with an intriguing X-shape of the integrated intensity and dispersion maps, this suggests that the molecular emission of NGC 1377 consists of a disk-outflow system. Lower limits to the molecular mass and outflow rate are M$_{out}$(H$_{2}$) {\gt} 1 {\times} 10$^{7}$ M$_{\&sun;}$ and {\.M} {\gt} 8 M$_{\&sun;}$ yr$^{-1}$. The age of the proposed outflow is estimated to be 1.4 Myr, the extent to be 200 pc and the outflow speed to be V$_{out}$ = 140 km s$^{-1}$. The total molecular mass in the SMA map is estimated to M$_{tot}$(H$_{2}$) = 1.5 {\times} 10$^{8}$ M$_{\&sun;}$ (on a scale of 400 pc) while in the inner r = 29 pc the molecular mass is M$_{core}$(H$_{2}$) = 1.7 {\times} 10$^{7}$ M$_{\&sun;}$ with a corresponding H$_{2}$ column density of N(H$_{2}$) = 3.4 {\times} 10$^{23}$ cm$^{-2}$ and an average $^{12}$CO 2-1 brightness temperature of 19 K. $^{13}$CO 2-1 emission is found at a factor 10 fainter than $^{12}$CO in the low-resolution map while C$^{18}$O 2-1 remains undetected. We find weak 1 mm continuum emission of 2.4 mJy with spatial extent less than 400 pc.
Conclusions: Observing the molecular properties of the FIR-excess galaxy NGC 1377 allows us to probe the early stages of nuclear activity and the onset of feedback in active galaxies. The age of the outflow supports the notion that the current nuclear activity is young - a few Myr. The outflow may be powered by radiation pressure from a compact, dust enshrouded nucleus, but other driving mechanisms are possible. The buried source may be an active galactic nucleus (AGN) or an extremely young (1 Myr) compact starburst. Limitations on size and mass lead us to favor the AGN scenario, but additional studies are required to settle this question. In either case, the wind with its implied mass outflow rate will quench the nuclear power source within the very short time of 5-25 Myr. It is possible, however, that the gas is unable to escape the galaxy and may eventually fall back onto NGC 1377 again.}, keywords = {galaxies: active, galaxies: evolution, galaxies: individual: NGC 1377, galaxies: starburst, ISM: molecules, radio lines: ISM}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201118052}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2012A\%26A...546A..68A}, author = {Aalto, S. and Muller, S. and Sakamoto, K. and Gallagher, J.~S. and Mart{\'\i}n, S. and F. Costagliola} } @article {2011A\&A...527A..69A, title = {{H$_{3}$O$^{+}$ line emission from starbursts and AGNs}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {527}, year = {2011}, month = {mar}, pages = {A69}, abstract = {Context. The H$_{3}$O$^{+}$ molecule probes the chemistry and the ionization rate of dense circumnuclear gas in galaxies.
Aims: We use the H$_{3}$O$^{+}$ molecule to investigate the impact of starburst and AGN activity on the chemistry of the molecular interstellar medium.
Methods: Using the JCMT, we have observed the 3$_{2}$$^{+}$ - 2$_{2}$$^{+}$ 364 GHz line of p-H$_{3}$O$^{+}$ towards the centres of seven active galaxies.
Results: We have detected p-H$_{3}$O$^{+}$ towards IC 342, NGC 253, NGC 1068, NGC 4418, and NGC 6240. Upper limits were obtained for IRAS 15250 and Arp 299. We find large H$_{3}$O$^{+}$ abundances (N(H$_{3}$O$^{+}$)/N(H$_{2}$) {\gsim} 10$^{-8}$) in all detected galaxies apart from in IC 342 where it is about one order of magnitude lower. We note, however, that uncertainties in N(H$_{3}$O$^{+}$) may be significant due to lack of definite information on source size and excitation. We furthermore compare the derived N(H$_{3}$O$^{+}$) with N(HCO$^{+}$) and find that the H$_{3}$O$^{+}$ to HCO$^{+}$ column density ratio is large in NGC 1068 (24), moderate in NGC 4418 and NGC 253 (4-5), slightly less than unity in NGC 6240 (0.7) and lowest in IC 342 (0.2-0.6). We compare our results with models of X-ray and photon dominated regions (XDRs and PDRs).
Conclusions: For IC 342 we find that a starburst PDR chemistry can explain the observed H$_{3}$O$^{+}$ abundance. For the other galaxies, the large H$_{3}$O$^{+}$ columns are generally consistent with XDR models. In particular for NGC 1068 the elevated N(H$_{3}$O$^{+}$)/N(HCO$^{+}$) ratio suggests a low column density XDR. For NGC 4418 however, large HC$_{3}$N abundances are inconsistent with the XDR interpretation. An alternative possibility is that H$_{3}$O$^{+}$ forms through H$_{2}$O evaporating off dust grains and reacting with HCO$^{+}$ in warm, dense gas. This scenario could also potentially fit the results for NGC 253. Further studies of the excitation and distribution of H$_{3}$O$^{+}$ - as well as Herschel observations of water abundances - will help to further constrain the models.}, keywords = {galaxies: active, galaxies: evolution, galaxies: starburst, ISM: molecules, radio lines: galaxies}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201015878}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2011A\%26A...527A..69A}, author = {Aalto, S. and F. Costagliola and van der Tak, F. and Meijerink, R.} } @article {2011A\&A...528A..30C, title = {{Molecules as tracers of galaxy evolution: an EMIR survey. I. Presentation of the data and first results}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {528}, year = {2011}, month = {apr}, pages = {A30}, abstract = {
Aims: We investigate the molecular gas properties of a sample of 23 galaxies in order to find and test chemical signatures of galaxy evolution and to compare them to IR evolutionary tracers.
Methods: Observation at 3 mm wavelengths were obtained with the EMIR broadband receiver, mounted on the IRAM 30 m telescope on Pico Veleta, Spain. We compare the emission of the main molecular species with existing models of chemical evolution by means of line intensity ratios diagrams and principal component analysis.
Results: We detect molecular emission in 19 galaxies in two 8 GHz-wide bands centred at 88 and 112 GHz. The main detected molecules are CO, $^{13}$CO, HCN, HNC, HCO$^{+}$, CN, and C$_{2}$H. We also detect HC$_{3}$N J = 10-9 in the galaxies IRAS 17208, IC 860, NGC 4418, NGC 7771, and NGC 1068. The only HC$_{3}$N detections are in objects with HCO$^{+}$/HCN {\l}t} 1. Galaxies with the highest HC$_{3}$N/HCN ratios have warm IRAS colours (60/100 {$μ$}m {\gt} 0.8). The brightest HC$_{3}$N emission is found in IC 860, where we also detect the molecule in its vibrationally excited state. We find low HNC/HCN line ratios ({\l}t}0.5), that cannot be explained by existing PDR or XDR chemical models. The intensities of HCO+ and HNC appear anti-correlated. No correlation is found between the HNC/HCN line ratio and dust temperature. All HNC-bright objects are either luminous IR galaxies (LIRG) or Seyferts. Galaxies with bright polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) emission show low HNC/HCO$^{+}$ ratios. The CO/$^{13}$CO ratio is positively correlated with the dust temperature and is generally higher than in our galaxy. The emission of CN and C$^{18}$O is correlated.
Conclusions: Bright HC$_{3}$N emission in HCO$^{+}$-faint objects may imply that these are not dominated by X-ray chemistry. Thus the HCN/HCO$^{+}$ line ratio is not, by itself, a reliable tracer of XDRs. Bright HC$_{3}$N and faint HCO$^{+}$ could be signatures of embedded star-formation, instead of AGN activity. Mechanical heating caused by supernova explosions may be responsible for the low HNC/HCN and high HCO$^{+}$/HCN ratios in some starbursts. We cannot exclude, however, that the discussed trends are largely caused by optical depth effects or excitation. Chemical models alone cannot explain all properties of the observed molecular emission. Better constraints to the gas spacial distribution and excitation are needed to distinguish abundance and excitation effects. Appendices are only available in electronic form http://www.aanda.org}, keywords = {evolution, galaxies: active, galaxies: evolution, galaxies: ISM, ISM: molecules}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201015628}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2011A\%26A...528A..30C}, author = {F. Costagliola and Aalto, S. and M. Rodr{\'\i}guez and Muller, S. and Spoon, H.~W.~W. and Mart{\'\i}n, S. and M. A. P{\'e}rez-Torres and Alberdi, A. and Lindberg, J.~E. and Batejat, F. and J{\"u}tte, E. and van der Werf, P. and Lahuis, F.} } @article {2011A\&A...527A.150L, title = {{A survey of HC$_{3}$N in extragalactic sources. Is HC$_{3}$N a tracer of activity in ULIRGs?}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {527}, year = {2011}, month = {mar}, pages = {A150}, abstract = {Context. HC$_{3}$N is a molecule that is mainly associated with Galactic star-forming regions, but it has also been detected in extragalactic environments.
Aims: To present the first extragalactic survey of HC$_{3}$N, when combining earlier data from the literature with six new single-dish detections, and to compare HC$_{3}$N with other molecular tracers (HCN, HNC), as well as other properties (silicate absorption strength, IR flux density ratios, C ii flux, and megamaser activity).
Methods: We present mm IRAM 30 m, OSO 20 m, and SEST observations of HC$_{3}$N rotational lines (mainly the J = 10-9 transition) and of the J = 1-0 transitions of HCN and HNC. Our combined HC$_{3}$N data account for 13 galaxies (excluding the upper limits reported for the non-detections), while we have HCN and HNC data for more than 20 galaxies.
Results: A preliminary definition {\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}HC$_{3}$N-luminous galaxy{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} is made based upon the HC$_{3}$N/HCN ratio. Most (\~{}80\%) HC$_{3}$N-luminous galaxies seem to be deeply obscured galaxies and (U)LIRGs. A majority (\~{}60\% or more) of the HC$_{3}$N-luminous galaxies in the sample present OH mega- or strong kilomaser activity. A possible explanation is that both HC$_{3}$N and OH megamasers need warm dust for their excitation. Alternatively, the dust that excites the OH megamaser offers protection against UV destruction of HC$_{3}$N. A high silicate absorption strength is also found in several of the HC$_{3}$N-luminous objects, which may help the HC$_{3}$N to survive. Finally, we find that a high HC$_{3}$N/HCN ratio is related to a high dust temperature and a low C ii flux. Appendix is only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org}, keywords = {galaxies: active, galaxies: ISM, galaxies: starburst, ISM: molecules, radio lines: galaxies, radio lines: ISM}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/201015565}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2011A\%26A...527A.150L}, author = {Lindberg, J.~E. and Aalto, S. and F. Costagliola and P{\'e}rez-Beaupuits, J.-P. and Monje, R. and Muller, S.} } @article {2010A\&A...515A..71C, title = {{Vibrationally excited HC$_{3}$N in NGC 4418}}, journal = {Astronomy and Astrophysics}, volume = {515}, year = {2010}, month = {jun}, pages = {A71}, abstract = {
Aims: We investigate the molecular gas properties of the deeply obscured luminous infrared galaxy NGC 4418. We address the excitation of the complex molecule HC$_{3}$N to determine whether its unusually luminous emission is related to the nature of the buried nuclear source.
Methods: We use IRAM 30 m and JCMT observations of rotational and vibrational lines of HC$_{3}$N to model the excitation of the molecule by means of rotational diagrams.
Results: We report the first confirmed extragalactic detection of vibrational lines of HC$_{3}$N. We detect 6 different rotational transitions ranging from J = 10-9 to J = 30-29 in the ground vibrational state and obtain a tentative detection of the J = 38-37 line. We also detect 7 rotational transitions of the vibrationally excited states v$_{6}$ and v$_{7}$, with angular momenta ranging from J = 10-9 to 28-27. The energies of the upper states of the observed transitions range from 20 to 850 K. In the optically thin regime, we find that the rotational transitions of the vibrational ground state can be fitted for two temperatures, 30 K and 260 K, while the vibrationally excited levels can be fitted for a rotational temperature of 90 K and a vibrational temperature of 500 K. In the inner 300 pc of NGC 4418, we estimate a high HC$_{3}$N abundance, of the order of 10$^{-7}$.
Conclusions: The excitation of the HC$_{3}$N molecule responds strongly to the intense radiation field and the presence of warm, dense gas and dust at the center of NGC 4418. The intense HC$_{3}$N line emission is a result of both high abundances and excitation. The properties of the HC$_{3}$N emitting gas are similar to those found for hot cores in Sgr B2, which implies that the nucleus ({\l}t}300 pc) of NGC 4418 is reminiscent of a hot core. The potential presence of a compact, hot component (T = 500 K) is also discussed.}, keywords = {galaxies: active, galaxies: evolution, galaxies: starburst, globular clusters: individual: NGC 4418, ISM: molecules, radio lines: ISM}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361/200913370}, url = {http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010A\%26A...515A..71C}, author = {F. Costagliola and Aalto, S.} }