Near IR spectroscopy of active galactic nuclei

Using the VLT together with the near infrared instrument ISAAC, we have obtained medium spectral and high spatial resolution observations of a sample of nearby Seyfert galaxies in the H -band. This band is particularly suited for stellar population studies since the stellar component dominates over the AGN nucleus. The H -band also includes the peak contribution from cool stars. The AGN spectra are very rich in strong metallic lines which are sensitive to stellar luminosity class. For 4 out of 5 galaxies the central velocity dispersions are found to be significantly lower than reported in previous studies. Gradients in the stellar population within the central regions were searched for, together with evidence for dilution of the stellar spectral features within the nucleus.