The OI Line Emission in Active Galactic Nuclei Revisited
  UV, visible, and near-infrared spectroscopy is used to study the transitions of neutral oxygen leading to the emission of broad OI $\lambda$8446, $\lambda$11287 and $\lambda$1304 in Active Galactic Nuclei. From the strength of the former two lines, contrary to the general belief, we found that in six out of seven galaxies, L-beta fluorescence is not the only mechanism responsible for the formation of these three lines. Because OI $\lambda$13165 is almost reduced to noise level, continuum fluorescence is ruled out as an additional excitation mechanism, but the presence of OI $\lambda$7774 in one of the objects suggests that collisional ionization may have an important role in the formation of OI $\lambda$8446. The usefulness of the OI lines as a reliable reddening indicator for the broad line region is discussed. The values of E(B-V) derived from the OI $\lambda 1304/\lambda$8446 ratio agree with those obtained using other reddening indicators. The observations point toward a break in the one-to-one photon relation between OI $\lambda$8446 and OI $\lambda$1304, attributable to several destruction mechanisms that may affect the latter line. 
A. Rodriguez-Ardila (1), S. M. Viegas (1), M. G. Pastoriza (2), L.   Prato (3) and Carlos J. Donzelli (4) ((1) IAG-USP, (2) ...