Program: GN-2021B-Q-136

While AGN feedback has become a standard component in galaxy evolution models, observational evidence for the effect of AGN-driven outflows on the multi-phase interstellar medium (ISM) and the star formation properties of the host galaxies remains elusive. By focussing on the most luminous nearby (0.01<z<0.06) AGN, the Close AGN Reference Survey (CARS) includes prime targets for a multi-scale, multi-wavelength study of AGN feedback. Starting from the core MUSE (VLT) observations, CARS comprises a large panchromatic data set optimally suited to disect the feedback effects on the multi-phase host galaxy gas. This proposal is part of a campaign to complement selected targets from the 39 CARS AGN with spatially-resolved NIR diagnostics using NIFS. In combination with the CARS multi-wavelength data set we aim at (i) studying the effects of AGN feedback on multiple gas phases from sub-200 pc to kpc scales, (ii) testing the relation between BH accretion and star formation and the role of dust extinction for the various star formation rate (SFR) indicators available via CARS, and (iii) deriving the M-sigma relation in light of the differences between optical and NIR stellar velocity dispersion indicators. The NIFS data are key to these goals by contributing (i) a warm-hot molecular gas tracer (via H_2 lines), (ii) NIR SFR indicators less susceptible to dust extinction than Halpha, and (iii) CO bandheads probing the kinematics of the younger stellar population.