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Published May 27, 2019 | Version Submitted
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Resolving the cosmic X-ray background with a next-generation high-energy X-ray observatory

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Abstract

The cosmic X-ray background (CXB), which peaks at an energy of ≈30 keV, is produced primarily by emission from accreting supermassive black holes (SMBHs). The CXB therefore serves as a constraint on the integrated SMBH growth in the Universe and the accretion physics and obscuration in active galactic nuclei (AGNs). This paper gives an overview of recent progress in understanding the high-energy (>~10 keV) X-ray emission from AGNs and the synthesis of the CXB, with an emphasis on results from NASA's NuSTAR hard X-ray mission. We then discuss remaining challenges and open questions regarding the nature of AGN obscuration and AGN physics. Finally, we highlight the exciting opportunities for a next-generation, high-resolution hard X-ray mission to achieve the long-standing goal of resolving and characterizing the vast majority of the accreting SMBHs that produce the CXB.

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Eprint ID
96552
Resolver ID
CaltechAUTHORS:20190619-095513937

Related works

Describes
http://arxiv.org/abs/1905.11439 (URL)

Dates

Created
2019-06-19
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Updated
2023-06-02
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Space Radiation Laboratory
Series Name
Astro2020 Science White Paper