The Search for AGNs in Low Metallicity Dwarf Galaxies: An XMM-Newton Study

Supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in dwarf galaxies are crucial for ourunderstanding of the origins of SMBHs . While recent studies have found opticalsignatures of AGNs in a growing population of dwarf galaxies, these studies arebiased toward redder galaxies with supersolar metallicities. This is a severelimitation, since the premise behind the use of dwarf galaxies to probe seedblack holes rests on the assumption that they have had a quiescent cosmichistory, free of mergers or tidal stirring that would drive gas to the centerand fuel star formation and grow the SMBH. Optical studies therefore target thewrong demographic. In this pilot study, we propose to observe with XMMNewton anew sample of low metallicity dwarf galaxy candidates with midIR evidence for AGN activity. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]