Multiple X-ray reflection from ionized slabs

Abstract

Multiple reflection of X-rays may be important when an accretion disc and its hot corona have a complicated geometry, or if returning radiation due to gravitational light bending is important, or in emission from a funnel such as proposed in some γ-ray burst models. We simulate the effects of multiple reflection by modifying the boundary condition for an X-ray illuminated slab. Multiple reflection makes the soft X-ray spectrum steeper (softer) and strengthens broad emission and absorption features, especially the K-shell features of iron. This may be important in explaining the spectra of sources such as the narrow-line type 1 Seyfert galaxy 1H 0707 - 495.