Deciphering Radio Emissions from Accretion Disk Winds in Radio-quiet Active Galactic Nuclei

Abstract

Abstract Unraveling the origins of radio emissions from radio-quiet active galactic nuclei (RQ AGNs) remains a pivotal challenge in astrophysics. One potential source of this radiation is the shock interaction between AGN disk winds and the interstellar medium (ISM). To understand this phenomenon, we construct a spherical, one-zone, and self-similar expansion model of shock structure between ultrafast outflows (UFOs) and the ISM. We then calculate the energy density distribution of nonthermal electrons by solving the transport equation, considering diffusive shock acceleration as the acceleration mechanism and synchrotron and inverse Compton cooling as the cooling mechanisms. Based on the derived energy distribution of nonthermal electrons, we model the radio synchrotron spectrum of the shocked ISM. For the 15 nearby RQ AGNs hosting UFOs, we investigate the shocked ISM parameters required to model their observed radio spectra based on X-ray observations and measured UFO velocities. Radio spectra of 11 out of 15 nearby RQ AGNs would be explained by the AGN disk wind model. This is a compelling indication that shock interactions between AGN disk winds and the ISM could indeed be the source of their radio emissions. The typical predicted source size and magnetic field strength are several 100 pc and 0.1 mG, respectively. We also discuss whether our prediction can be tested by future radio observations.