Investigating ionized disc models of the variable narrow-line Seyfert 1 PG 1404+226.

We investigate the use of relativistically blurred photoionized disc models on an XMM–Newton observation of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy PG 1404+226. The model is designed to reproduce the radiation from the inner accretion disc around a Kerr black hole, and is more successful at fitting the spectrum than models based on a thermal soft excess. The source varies strongly over the course of the observation, and the disc model works over all observed flux states. We conclude that it is a useful tool in the study of certain quasars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]