XMM-Newton first X-ray detection of the LoBAL quasar PG 1700+518
  We report the first high-energy detection of PG 1700+518, a well-known
low-ionization broad absorption line quasar (QSO). Due to previous X-ray
non-detection, it was classified as soft X-ray weak QSO. We observed PG
1700+518 with XMM-Newton for about 60 ksec divided in three exposures. The
spectrum below 2 keV is very steep, Gamma ~ 2.4-3.8, while at higher energies
the extremely flat emission (photon index Gamma ~ 0.15, when modelled with a
power law) suggests the presence of strong absorption (NH,pl ~ 2\times10^23
cm-2, Gamma fixed to 1.8), or a reflection-dominated continuum. The broad-band
flux is consistent with previous non-detection. Simultaneous EPIC and OM data
confirm its X-ray weakness (alpha_ox = -2.2). The level of obscuration derived
from the X-ray spectra of PG 1700+518 cannot explain its soft X-ray nuclear
weakness unless a column density of NH >~ 2\times10^24 cm-2 is present.
