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Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets
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Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets

A special issue of Galaxies (ISSN 2075-4434).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2017) | Viewed by 175375

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Emmanouil Angelakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, Auf dem Huegel 69, 53121 Bonn, Germany
Interests: galaxy; astronomy and astrophysics; extragalactic astronomy; optical astronomy; radio astronomy; Quasars; AGN; Active Galactic Nuclei; black holes; X-rays
Dr. Markus Boettcher

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Space Research, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
Interests: astrophysics; Active Galactic Nuclei; gamma ray bursts; galactic black holes
Dr. Jose L. Gómez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), Glorieta de la Astronomía S/N, 18008 Granada, Spain
Interests: black holes; active galactic nuclei; relativistic jets; blazars; RMHD simulations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The specific conditions required for its production and transmission make the polarized emission from astrophysical plasmas an invaluable probe of the physical processes occurring in their environments. In astrophysical jets, magnetized plasma is accelerated to relativistic energies, driving the emergence of intrinsically polarized incoherent synchrotron processes. The often-overwhelming challenges—both observational and theoretical—involved in the study of polarized emission have notably delayed the exploitation of this unique potential tool.

The subject of the international conference, "Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets", held in Ierapetra (Greece), 12–16 June, 2017, has been the comprehensive review of the theoretical and observational aspects related to linearly and circularly polarized emission observed from extragalactic (AGN, GRBs), as well as galactic (e.g., XRBs), astrophysical jets, and their potential to reveal the physical conditions and emission processes governing these sources.

The meeting focuses on current polarimetric monitoring programs, as well as high angular resolution interferometric observations, and prospects for new facilities (i.e., ALMA, SKA, EHT, XIPE, e-ASTROGAM). Special attention was paid on reviewing current models for linear and circular polarization (including Faraday effects), and its relation to the jet magnetic field topology, composition, propagation, and formation. Contributions were invited on topics such as:

  • Theories for linear and circular polarization emission models
  • Propagation of polarized emission and Faraday rotation effects
  • Magnetic field structure and its role in the jet dynamics
  • Jet formation and composition
  • Polarization variability
  • Polarimetric monitoring programs
  • High angular resolution polarimetric observations
  • Prospects for high energy (X-ray, gamma-ray) polarimetry

The conference was hosted at the Foundation of Cultural and Social Care of the Metropole of Ierapetra and Sitia in the southernmost town of Europe, Ierapetra, located on the southern coast of Eastern Crete in the prefecture of Lasithi.

Dr. Emmanouil Angelakis
Dr. Markus Boettcher
Dr. Jose L. Gómez
Guest Editors

This publication has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 730562 [RadioNet]

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Published Papers (48 papers)

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Research

7 pages, 871 KiB  
Article
Hydrodynamical Simulations of Recollimation Shocks within Relativistic Astrophysical Jets
by Christopher D. Kaye, Timothy V. Cawthorne and Philip A. Hughes
Galaxies 2018, 6(2), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6020053 - 3 May 2018
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3340
Abstract
Astrophysical jets launched from active galactic nuclei can remain tightly collimated over large distances due, in part, to recollimation shocks. Formed within the jets due to their supersonic nature, recollimation shocks are predicted to leave signatures in the observed radio emission due to [...] Read more.
Astrophysical jets launched from active galactic nuclei can remain tightly collimated over large distances due, in part, to recollimation shocks. Formed within the jets due to their supersonic nature, recollimation shocks are predicted to leave signatures in the observed radio emission due to magnetic flux freezing and the geometric relationship between magnetic fields and the polarization of synchrotron radiation. In the course of this work, we will compare how predictions of emission from recollimation shocks change when the flow is modelled using a hydrodynamical code, as opposed to semi-dynamical and magnetohydrodynamical codes. Jets generally exhibit low levels of polarization, which implies a substantially disordered magnetic field. It is difficult to model such fields using magnetohydrodynamics, hence this work uses hydrodynamical code and a statistical treatment of the magnetic field (c.f. Scheuer and Matthews, 1990). It should then be possible to assess whether certain radio jet phenomena, such as knots and radio-cores, may be modelled as singular or multiple recollimation shocks. To date, the hydrodynamical code has been successfully built and executed on UCLan’s supercomputer cluster, and parallelepiped vector triads have been included to monitor the fluid deformation within the simulation, so that the emergent flux and polarization may be calculated. The parallelepiped advection is currently being verified and some results are discussed. Code for radiative transfer throughout the jet is also being implemented, in order to simulate images for comparison with previous works and observations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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7 pages, 1301 KiB  
Article
Probing the Large Faraday Rotation Measure Environment of Compact Active Galactic Nuclei
by Alice Pasetto, Carlos Carrasco-González, Shane O’Sullivan, Aritra Basu, Gabriele Bruni, Alex Kraus, Salvador Curiel and Karl-Heinz Mack
Galaxies 2018, 6(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6020040 - 26 Mar 2018
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3199
Abstract
Knowing how the ambient medium in the vicinity of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is shaped is crucial to understanding generally the evolution of such cosmic giants as well as AGN jet formation and launching. Thanks to the new broadband capability now available at [...] Read more.
Knowing how the ambient medium in the vicinity of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is shaped is crucial to understanding generally the evolution of such cosmic giants as well as AGN jet formation and launching. Thanks to the new broadband capability now available at the Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA), we can study changes in polarization properties, fractional polarization, and polarization angles, together with the total intensity spectra of a sample of 14 AGNs, within a frequency range from 1 to 12 GHz. Depolarization modeling has been performed by means of so-called “qu-fitting” to the polarized data, and a synchrotron self absorption model has been used for fitting to the total intensity data. We found complex behavior both in the polarization spectra and in the total intensity spectra, and several Faraday components with a large rotation measure (RM) and several synchrotron components were needed to represent these spectra. Here, results for three targets are shown. This new method of analyzing broadband polarization data through qu-fitting successfully maps the complex surroundings of unresolved objects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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7 pages, 839 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Study of Multiwavelength Blazar Variability on Decades to Minutes Timescales
by Arti Goyal
Galaxies 2018, 6(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6010034 - 8 Mar 2018
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3190
Abstract
Multiwavelength blazar variability is produced by noise-like processes with the power-law form of power spectral density (PSD). We present the results of our detailed investigation of multiwavelength ( γ -ray and optical) light curves covering decades to minutes timescales, of two BL Lac [...] Read more.
Multiwavelength blazar variability is produced by noise-like processes with the power-law form of power spectral density (PSD). We present the results of our detailed investigation of multiwavelength ( γ -ray and optical) light curves covering decades to minutes timescales, of two BL Lac objects namely, PKS 0735+178 and OJ 287. The PSDs are derived using discrete Fourier transform (DFT) method. Our systematic approach reveals that OJ 287 is, on average, more variable than PKS 0735+178 at both optical and γ -ray energies on the corresponding time scales. On timescales shorter than ∼10 days, due to continuous and dense monitoring by the Kepler satellite, a steepening of power spectrum is observed for OJ 287. This indicates the necessity of an intermittent process generating variability on intra-night timescales for OJ 287. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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10 pages, 1061 KiB  
Article
Multiwavelength Observations of Relativistic Jets from General Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations
by Richard Anantua, Roger Blandford and Alexander Tchekhovskoy
Galaxies 2018, 6(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6010031 - 3 Mar 2018
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5873
Abstract
This work summarizes a program intended to unify three burgeoning branches of the high-energy astrophysics of relativistic jets: general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of ever-increasing dynamical range, the microphysical theory of particle acceleration under relativistic conditions, and multiwavelength observations resolving ever-decreasing spatiotemporal scales. [...] Read more.
This work summarizes a program intended to unify three burgeoning branches of the high-energy astrophysics of relativistic jets: general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of ever-increasing dynamical range, the microphysical theory of particle acceleration under relativistic conditions, and multiwavelength observations resolving ever-decreasing spatiotemporal scales. The process, which involves converting simulation output into time series of images and polarization maps that can be directly compared to observations, is performed by (1) self-consistently prescribing models for emission, absorption, and particle acceleration and (2) performing time-dependent polarized radiative transfer. M87 serves as an exemplary prototype for this investigation due to its prominent and well-studied jet and the imminent prospect of learning much more from Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) observations this year. Synthetic observations can be directly compared with real observations for observational signatures such as jet instabilities, collimation, relativistic beaming, and polarization. The simplest models described adopt the standard equipartition hypothesis; other models calculate emission by relating it to current density or shear. These models are intended for application to the radio jet instead of the higher frequency emission, the disk and the wind, which will be subjects of future investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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7 pages, 660 KiB  
Article
Optical Polarimetry and Radio Observations of PKS1510-089 between 2009 and 2013
by Pedro P. B. Beaklini, Tânia P. Dominici and Zulema Abraham
Galaxies 2018, 6(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6010018 - 1 Feb 2018
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2828
Abstract
The blazar PKS 1510-089 has shown intense activity at γ -rays in the recent years. In this work, we discussed the results of our 7 mm radio continuum and optical polarimetric monitoring between 2009 and 2013. In 2009, we detected a large rotation [...] Read more.
The blazar PKS 1510-089 has shown intense activity at γ -rays in the recent years. In this work, we discussed the results of our 7 mm radio continuum and optical polarimetric monitoring between 2009 and 2013. In 2009, we detected a large rotation of the optical polarization angle that we attributed to the ejection of new polarized components. In 2011, after the occurrence of several γ -rays flares, the radio emission started to increase, reaching values never observed before. We interpreted this increase as the consequence of the superposition of several new components ejected during the γ -rays flares. A delay was measured between the maximum in the radio emission and the γ -ray flares, which favors models involving expanding components like the shock-in-jet models. Finally, we tried to understand the polarization angle variability behavior filling the gaps in our observations with published results of other polarimetric campaigns, and using the criterion of minimum variation in the polarization angle between successive observations to solve the 180° multiplicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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8 pages, 351 KiB  
Article
Constraints on Particles and Fields from Full Stokes Observations of AGN
by Daniel C. Homan, Talvikki Hovatta, Yuri Y. Kovalev, Matthew L. Lister, Alexander B. Pushkarev and Tuomas Savolainen
Galaxies 2018, 6(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6010017 - 29 Jan 2018
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3185
Abstract
Combined polarization imaging of radio jets from Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) in circular and linear polarization, also known as full Stokes imaging, has the potential to constrain both the magnetic field structure and particle properties of jets. Although only a small fraction of [...] Read more.
Combined polarization imaging of radio jets from Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) in circular and linear polarization, also known as full Stokes imaging, has the potential to constrain both the magnetic field structure and particle properties of jets. Although only a small fraction of the emission when detected, typically less than a few tenths of a percent but up to as much as a couple of percent in the strongest resolved sources, circular polarization directly probes the magnetic field and particles within the jet itself and is not expected to be modified by external screens. A key to using full Stokes observations to constrain jet properties is obtaining a better understanding of the emission of circular polarization, including its variability and spectrum. We discuss what we have learned so far from parsec scale monitoring observations in the MOJAVE program and from multi-frequency observations of selected AGN. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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4 pages, 266 KiB  
Article
Polarimetric Monitoring of Jets with Kanata Telescope
by Ryosuke Itoh, Makoto Uemura, Yasushi Fukazawa and Koji Kawabata
Galaxies 2018, 6(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6010016 - 24 Jan 2018
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2827
Abstract
The polarization of relativistic jets is of interest for the understanding of their origin, confinement, and propagation. However, even though numerous measurements have been performed, the mechanisms behind jet variability, creation, and composition are still debated. We have performed simultaneous gamma-ray and optical [...] Read more.
The polarization of relativistic jets is of interest for the understanding of their origin, confinement, and propagation. However, even though numerous measurements have been performed, the mechanisms behind jet variability, creation, and composition are still debated. We have performed simultaneous gamma-ray and optical photopolarimetry observations of 45 blazars with the Kanata telescope since July 2008 to investigate the mechanisms of variability and search for a basic relation between the several subclasses of relativistic jets. Consequently, we found that a correlation between the gamma-ray and optical flux might be related to gamma-ray luminosity, and the maximum polarization degree might be related to gamma-ray luminosity or the ratio of gamma-ray to optical flux. These results imply that low gamma-ray luminosity blazars emit from multiple regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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7 pages, 1713 KiB  
Article
The Global Jet Structure of the Archetypical Quasar 3C 273
by Kazunori Akiyama, Keiichi Asada, Vincent L. Fish, Masanori Nakamura, Kazuhiro Hada, Hiroshi Nagai and Colin J. Lonsdale
Galaxies 2018, 6(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6010015 - 24 Jan 2018
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3953
Abstract
A key question in the formation of the relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is the collimation process of their energetic plasma flow launched from the central supermassive black hole (SMBH). Recent observations of nearby low-luminosity radio galaxies exhibit a clear picture [...] Read more.
A key question in the formation of the relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is the collimation process of their energetic plasma flow launched from the central supermassive black hole (SMBH). Recent observations of nearby low-luminosity radio galaxies exhibit a clear picture of parabolic collimation inside the Bondi accretion radius. On the other hand, little is known of the observational properties of jet collimation in more luminous quasars, where the accretion flow may be significantly different due to much higher accretion rates. In this paper, we present preliminary results of multi-frequency observations of the archetypal quasar 3C 273 with the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) at 1.4, 15, and 43 GHz, and Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN) at 1.6 GHz. The observations provide a detailed view of the transverse structure resolved on a broad range of spatial scales from sub-parsec to kilo parsecs, allowing us to profile the jet width as a function of the distance from the core for the first time in jets of bright quasars. We discovered a transition from a parabolic stream to a conical stream, which has been seen in much lower-luminosity radio galaxies. The similarity in the profile to the much lower-powered radio galaxy M87 suggests the universality of jet collimation among AGNs with different accretion rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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7 pages, 7428 KiB  
Article
Polarimetric Evidence of the First White Dwarf Pulsar: The Binary System AR Scorpii
by David A.H. Buckley, Stephen B. Potter, Pieter J. Meintjes, Tom R. Marsh and Boris T. Gänsicke
Galaxies 2018, 6(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6010014 - 22 Jan 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3357
Abstract
The binary star AR Scorpii was recently discovered to exhibit high amplitude coherent variability across the electromagnetic spectrum (ultraviolet to radio) at two closely spaced ∼2 min periods, attributed to the spin period of a white dwarf and the beat period. There is [...] Read more.
The binary star AR Scorpii was recently discovered to exhibit high amplitude coherent variability across the electromagnetic spectrum (ultraviolet to radio) at two closely spaced ∼2 min periods, attributed to the spin period of a white dwarf and the beat period. There is strong evidence (low X-ray luminosity, lack of flickering and absense of broad emission lines) that AR Sco is a detached non-accreting system whose luminosity is dominated by the spin-down power of a white dwarf, due to magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) interactions with its M5 companion. Optical polarimetry has revealed highly pulsed linear polarization on the same periods, reaching a maximum of 40%, consistent with a pulsar-like dipole, with the Stokes Q and U variations reminiscent of the Crab pulsar. These observations, coupled with the spectral energy distribution (SED) which is dominated by non-thermal emission, characteristic of synchrotron emission, support the notion that a strongly magnetic (∼200 MG) white dwarf is behaving like a pulsar, whose magnetic field interacts with the secondary star’s photosphere and magnetosphere. Radio synchrotron emission is produced from the pumping action of the white dwarf’s magnetic field on coronal loops from the M-star companion, while emission at high frequencies (UV/optical/X-ray) comes from the particle wind, driven by large electric potential, again reminiscent of processes seen in neutron star pulsars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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4 pages, 287 KiB  
Article
Polarization: A Method to Reveal the True Nature of the Dusty S-Cluster Object (DSO/G2)
by Banafsheh Shahzamanian, Andreas Eckart, Michal Zajacek, Monica Valencia-S. and Nadeen B. Sabha
Galaxies 2018, 6(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6010013 - 17 Jan 2018
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3651
Abstract
There have been different scenarios describing the nature of a dusty source, noted as Dusty S-cluster Object (DSO) or G2, orbiting around the Galactic centre super-massive black hole. Observing the polarized continuum emission of this source provides information on its nature and geometry. [...] Read more.
There have been different scenarios describing the nature of a dusty source, noted as Dusty S-cluster Object (DSO) or G2, orbiting around the Galactic centre super-massive black hole. Observing the polarized continuum emission of this source provides information on its nature and geometry. We show that this source is intrinsically polarized with polarization degree of 30%, implying that it has a non-spherical geometry, and a varying polarization angle in the ambient medium of the black hole. Its main observable properties can be well described and modeled with a pre-main-sequence star forming a bow shock as it approaches the Sgr A* position. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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6 pages, 868 KiB  
Article
Determining the Jet Poloidal B Field and Black-Hole Rotation Directions in AGNs
by Denise Gabuzda
Galaxies 2018, 6(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6010009 - 12 Jan 2018
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3127
Abstract
It is theoretically expected that active galactic nucleus (AGN) jets should carry helical magnetic (B) fields, which arise due to the rotation of the central black hole and accretion disk combined with the jet outflow. The direction of the toroidal component [...] Read more.
It is theoretically expected that active galactic nucleus (AGN) jets should carry helical magnetic (B) fields, which arise due to the rotation of the central black hole and accretion disk combined with the jet outflow. The direction of the toroidal component of the helical B field B φ is determined by the direction of the poloidal component B p of the initial seed field that is “wound up” and the direction of rotation of the central black hole and accretion disk. The presence of the jet’s helical B field can be manifest both through the presence of Faraday rotation gradients across the jet, and the presence of appreciable circular polarization, which comes about when linearly polarized emission from the far side of the jet is partially converted to circularly polarized emission as it passes through the magnetized plasma at the front side of the jet on its way towards the observer. When both of these properties are manifest, they can be used jointly with the jet linear polarization structure to uniquely determine both the direction of B p and the direction of the central rotation. This technique has been applied to 12 AGNs. The results indicate statistically equal numbers of outward and inward B p and of clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) rotations of the central black holes on the sky. However, they suggest that the directions of B p and of the central rotation are coupled: CW/CCW central rotation is preferentially associated with inward/outward poloidal B field. This leads to a preferred orientation for the toroidal B-field component corresponding to inward current along the jet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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8 pages, 1976 KiB  
Article
The Variable Rotation Measure Distribution in 3C 273 on Parsec Scales
by John Wardle
Galaxies 2018, 6(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6010005 - 5 Jan 2018
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4578
Abstract
We briefly review how opacity affects the observed polarization in synchrotron emitting jets. We show some new multi-frequency observations of 3C 273 made with the VLBA in 1999–2000, which add significantly to the available rotation measure (RM) observations of this source. Our findings [...] Read more.
We briefly review how opacity affects the observed polarization in synchrotron emitting jets. We show some new multi-frequency observations of 3C 273 made with the VLBA in 1999–2000, which add significantly to the available rotation measure (RM) observations of this source. Our findings can be summarized as follows: (1) The transverse gradient in RM is amply confirmed. This implies a toroidal component to the magnetic field, which in turn requires a current of 1017–1018 A flowing down the jet. (2) The net magnetic field in the jet is longitudinal; however, whether or not the longitudinal component is vector-ordered is an open question. (3) The RM distribution is variable on timescales of months to years. We attribute this to the motion of superluminal components behind a turbulent Faraday screen that surrounds the jet. (4) Finally, we suggest that Faraday rotation measurements at higher resolution and higher frequencies, with the Event Horizon Telescope, may enable useful constraints to be placed on the accretion rate onto the central black hole. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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6 pages, 204 KiB  
Article
Optical/Infrared Polarised Emission in X-ray Binaries
by David M. Russell
Galaxies 2018, 6(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies6010003 - 4 Jan 2018
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3018
Abstract
Recently, evidence for synchrotron emission in both black-hole (BH) and neutron star X-ray binaries has been mounting, from optical/infrared spectral, polarimetric, and fast timing signatures. The synchrotron emission of jets can be highly linearly polarised, depending on the configuration of the magnetic field [...] Read more.
Recently, evidence for synchrotron emission in both black-hole (BH) and neutron star X-ray binaries has been mounting, from optical/infrared spectral, polarimetric, and fast timing signatures. The synchrotron emission of jets can be highly linearly polarised, depending on the configuration of the magnetic field (B-field). Optical and infrared (OIR) polarimetric observations of X-ray binaries are presented in this brief review. The OIR polarimetric signature of relativistic jets is detected at levels of ∼1–10%, similarly to for active galactic nuclei (AGN) cores. This reveals that the magnetic geometry in the compact jets may be similar for supermassive and stellar-mass BHs. The B-fields near the jet base in most of these systems appear to be turbulent, variable and on average, aligned with the jet axis, although there are some exceptions. These measurements probe the physical conditions in the accretion (out)flow and demonstrate a new way of connecting inflow and outflow, using both rapid timing and polarisation. Variations in polarisation could be due to rapid changes of the ordering of the B-field in the emitting region, or in one case, flares from individual ejections or collisions between ejecta. It is predicted that in some cases, variable levels of X-ray polarisation from synchrotron emission originating in jets will be detected from accreting galactic BHs with upcoming spaceborne X-ray polarimeters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
2602 KiB  
Article
Magnetic Field Studies in BL Lacertae through Faraday Rotation and a Novel Astrometric Technique
by Sol N. Molina, José L. Gómez, Richard Dodson and María J. Rioja
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040097 - 12 Dec 2017
Viewed by 2992
Abstract
It is thought that dynamically important helical magnetic fields twisted by the differential rotation of the black hole’s accretion disk or ergosphere play an important role in the launching, acceleration, and collimation of active galactic nuclei (AGN) jets. We present multi-frequency astrometric and [...] Read more.
It is thought that dynamically important helical magnetic fields twisted by the differential rotation of the black hole’s accretion disk or ergosphere play an important role in the launching, acceleration, and collimation of active galactic nuclei (AGN) jets. We present multi-frequency astrometric and polarimetric Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) images at 15, 22, and 43 GHz, as well as Faraday rotation analyses of the jet in BL Lacertae as part of a sample of AGN jets aimed to probe the magnetic field structure at the innermost scales to test jet formation models. The novel astrometric technique applied allows us to obtain the absolute position at mm wavelengths without any external calibrator. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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9002 KiB  
Article
Linear Polarization Properties of Parsec-Scale AGN Jets
by Alexander B. Pushkarev, Yuri Y. Kovalev, Matthew L. Lister, Tuomas Savolainen, Margo F. Aller, Hugh D. Aller and Mary A. Hodge
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040093 - 1 Dec 2017
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4772
Abstract
We used 15 GHz multi-epoch Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) polarization sensitive observations of 484 sources within a time interval 1996–2016 from the MOJAVE program, and also from the NRAO data archive. We have analyzed the linear polarization characteristics of the compact core [...] Read more.
We used 15 GHz multi-epoch Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) polarization sensitive observations of 484 sources within a time interval 1996–2016 from the MOJAVE program, and also from the NRAO data archive. We have analyzed the linear polarization characteristics of the compact core features and regions downstream, and their changes along and across the parsec-scale active galactic nuclei (AGN) jets. We detected a significant increase of fractional polarization with distance from the radio core along the jet as well as towards the jet edges. Compared to quasars, BL Lacs have a higher degree of polarization and exhibit more stable electric vector position angles (EVPAs) in their core features and a better alignment of the EVPAs with the local jet direction. The latter is accompanied by a higher degree of linear polarization, suggesting that compact bright jet features might be strong transverse shocks, which enhance magnetic field regularity by compression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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825 KiB  
Article
Multi-Frequency VLBA Polarimetry and the Twin-Jet Quasar 0850+581
by Evgeniya Kravchenko and Yuri Y. Kovalev
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040092 - 30 Nov 2017
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2970
Abstract
We present the first multi-frequency VLBA study of the quasar 0850+581 which appears to have a two-sided relativistic jet. Apparent velocity in the approaching jet changes from 3.4c to 7c with the separation from the core. The jet-to-counter-jet ratio of about 5 and [...] Read more.
We present the first multi-frequency VLBA study of the quasar 0850+581 which appears to have a two-sided relativistic jet. Apparent velocity in the approaching jet changes from 3.4c to 7c with the separation from the core. The jet-to-counter-jet ratio of about 5 and apparent superluminal velocities suggest that the observing angle of the inner jet is ≤ 17 ∘ . It is likely that this orientation significantly changes downstream due to an interaction of the jet with the surrounding medium; signs of this are seen in polarization. A dense inhomogeneous Faraday screen is detected in the innermost regions of this quasar. We suggest that there is a presence of ionized gas in its nucleus, which might be responsible for the free-free absorption of the synchrotron emission in the jet and counter-jet at frequencies below 8.4 GHz. The experiment makes use of slowly varying instrumental polarisation factors (polarization leakage or D-terms) in time. We report application of the “D-term connection” technique for the calibration of an absolute orientation of electric vector position angle (EVPA) observed by VLBA at 4.6, 5.0, 8.1, 8.4, 15.4, 22.3, and 43.3 GHz bands during the 2007–2011. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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1780 KiB  
Article
Behaviour of the Blazar CTA 102 during Two Giant Outbursts
by Valeri M. Larionov, Svetlana G. Jorstad, Alan P. Marscher, Paul S. Smith, Sergey Savchenko, Daria Morozova, Tatiana Grishina, Evgenia Kopatskaya, Liudmila Larionova, Elena Larionova, Anna Mokrushina, Ivan Troitsky, Yulia Troitskaya and George Borman
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040091 - 30 Nov 2017
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3760
Abstract
Blazar CTA 102 underwent exceptional optical and high-energy outbursts in 2012 and 2016–2017. We analyze its behaviour during these events, focusing on polarimetry as a tool that allows us to trace changes in the physical conditions and geometric configuration of the emission source [...] Read more.
Blazar CTA 102 underwent exceptional optical and high-energy outbursts in 2012 and 2016–2017. We analyze its behaviour during these events, focusing on polarimetry as a tool that allows us to trace changes in the physical conditions and geometric configuration of the emission source close to the central black hole. We also use Fermi γ -ray data in conjunction with optical photometry in an effort to localize the origin of the outbursts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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2463 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Multi-Band and Polarimetric View of Mkn 421: Motivations for an Integrated Open-Data Platform for Blazar Optical Polarimetry
by Ulisses Barres de Almeida, Bernardo M. O. Fraga, Paolo Giommi, Narek Sahakyan, Sargis Gasparyan and Carlos H. Brandt
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040090 - 30 Nov 2017
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3350
Abstract
In this work, by making use of the large software and database resources made available through online facilities such as the ASI Science Data Center (ASDC), we present a novel approach to the modelling of blazar emission whereby the multi-epoch SED for Mkn [...] Read more.
In this work, by making use of the large software and database resources made available through online facilities such as the ASI Science Data Center (ASDC), we present a novel approach to the modelling of blazar emission whereby the multi-epoch SED for Mkn 421 is modelled considering, in a self-consistent way, the temporal lags between bands (both in short and long-timescales). These are obtained via a detailed cross-correlation analysis, spanning data from radio to VHE gamma-rays from 2008 to 2015. In addition to that, long-term optical polarisation data is used to aid and complement our physical interpretation of the state and evolution of the source. Blazar studies constitute a clear example that astrophysics is becoming increasingly dominated by “big data”. Specific questions, such as the interpretation of polarimetric information—namely the evolution of the polarisation degree (PD) and specially the polarisation angle (PA) of a source—are very sensitive to the density of data coverage. Improving data accessibility and integration, in order to respond to these necessities, is thus extremely important and has a potentially large impact for blazar science. For this reason, we present also the project to create an open-access database for optical polarimetry, aiming to circumvent the issues raised above, by integrating long-term optical polarisation information on a number sources from several observatories and data providers in a consistent way. The platform, to be launched by the end of 2017 is built as part of the Brazilian Science Data Center (BSDC), a project hosted at CBPF, in Rio de Janeiro, and developed with the support of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and ICRANet. The BSDC is Virtual Observatory-compliant and is built in line with “Open Universe”, a global space science open-data initiative to be launched in November under the auspices of the United Nations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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962 KiB  
Article
Identification of the OGLE Blazars behind the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds
by Natalia Żywucka, Arti Goyal, Marek Jamrozy, Łukasz Stawarz, Michał Ostrowski, Szymon Kozłowski and Andrzej Udalski
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040088 - 28 Nov 2017
Viewed by 3125
Abstract
We report the selection of blazar candidates behind the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Both flat spectrum radio quasar and BL Lacreate objects were selected based on the long-term, multi-colour Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment photometric data. We cross-correlated the Magellanic Quasar Survey catalogue [...] Read more.
We report the selection of blazar candidates behind the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Both flat spectrum radio quasar and BL Lacreate objects were selected based on the long-term, multi-colour Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment photometric data. We cross-correlated the Magellanic Quasar Survey catalogue of spectroscopically confirmed quasars and quasar candidates located behind the Magellanic Clouds with the radio data at six frequencies from 0.8 to 20 GHz. Among the 1654 objects visible in optical range, we identified a sample of 44 newly selected blazar candidates, including 27 flat spectrum radio quasars and 17 BL Lacs. We examined selected objects with respect to their radio, optical, and mid-infrared properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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469 KiB  
Article
The Giant Flares of the Microquasar Cygnus X-3: X-Rays States and Jets
by Sergei Trushkin, Michael McCollough, Nikolaj Nizhelskij and Peter Tsybulev
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040086 - 27 Nov 2017
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4228
Abstract
We report on two giant radio flares of the X-ray binary microquasar Cyg X-3, consisting of a Wolf–Rayet star and probably a black hole. The first flare occurred on 13 September 2016, 2000 days after a previous giant flare in February 2011, as [...] Read more.
We report on two giant radio flares of the X-ray binary microquasar Cyg X-3, consisting of a Wolf–Rayet star and probably a black hole. The first flare occurred on 13 September 2016, 2000 days after a previous giant flare in February 2011, as the RATAN-600 radio telescope daily monitoring showed. After 200 days on 1 April 2017, we detected a second giant flare. Both flares are characterized by the increase of the fluxes by almost 2000-times (from 5–10 to 17,000 mJy at 4–11 GHz) during 2–7 days, indicating relativistic bulk motions from the central region of the accretion disk around a black hole. The flaring light curves and spectral evolution of the synchrotron radiation indicate the formation of two relativistic collimated jets from the binaries. Both flares occurred when the source went from hypersoft X-ray states to soft ones, i.e. hard fluxes (Swift/BAT 15–50 keV data) dropped to zero, the soft X-ray fluxes (MAXI 2–10 keV data) staying high, and then later, the binary came back to a hard state. Both similar giant flares indicated the unchanged mechanism of the jets’ formation in Cyg X-3, probably in conditions of strong stellar wind and powerful accretion onto a black hole. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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797 KiB  
Article
The Jets of Microquasars during Giant Flares and Quiet State
by Sergei Trushkin, Nikolaj Nizhelskij, Peter Tsybulev and Gennadij Zhekanis
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040084 - 21 Nov 2017
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3110
Abstract
We report on the radio properties of jets of the following microquasars, as determined from daily multi-frequency monitoring observations with the RATAN-600 radio telescope during 2010–2017: V404 Cyg, SS433, Cyg X-1, GRS1915+105 and LSI+61 ∘ 303. We have detected many giant flares from [...] Read more.
We report on the radio properties of jets of the following microquasars, as determined from daily multi-frequency monitoring observations with the RATAN-600 radio telescope during 2010–2017: V404 Cyg, SS433, Cyg X-1, GRS1915+105 and LSI+61 ∘ 303. We have detected many giant flares from SS433, a powerful flare from V404 Cyg in June 2015, an active state of Cyg X-1 in 2017 and fifty periodic flares from LSI+61 ∘ 303. We describe the properties of massive ejections based on multi-band (radio, X-ray and γ -ray) studies. The general properties of the light curves are closely connected with the processes of jet formation in microquasars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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2732 KiB  
Article
Polarization and Spectral Energy Distribution in OJ 287 during the 2016/17 Outbursts
by Mauri Valtonen, Stanislaw Zola, Helen Jermak, Stefano Ciprini, Rene Hudec, Lankeswar Dey, Achamveedu Gopakumar, Daniel L. Reichart, Daniel B. Caton, Kosmas Gazeas, Katsura Matsumoto, Waldemar Ogloza, Marek Drozdz, Fahri Alicavus, Oleksandr Baransky, Andrei Berdyugin, Panos Boumis, Yurii Bufan, Bartlomiej Debski, Huseyin Er, Ahmet Erdem, Vira Godunova, Shirin Haque, Vivian L. Hoette, Jan Janik, Mark Kidger, Tomasz Kundera, Sebastian Kurowski, Alexis Liakos, Isa Mohammed, Kari Nilsson, Urszula Pajdosz, Vilppu Piirola, Tapio Pursimo, Brandon Rajkumar, Andrii O. Simon, Michal Siwak, Eda Sonbas, Ian A. Steele, Volodymir V. Vasylenko, Michal Zejmo and Pawel Zielinskiadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040083 - 20 Nov 2017
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6104
Abstract
We report optical photometric and polarimetric observations of the blazar OJ 287 gathered during 2016/17. The high level of activity, noticed after the General Relativity Centenary flare, is argued to be part of the follow-up flares that exhibited high levels of polarization and [...] Read more.
We report optical photometric and polarimetric observations of the blazar OJ 287 gathered during 2016/17. The high level of activity, noticed after the General Relativity Centenary flare, is argued to be part of the follow-up flares that exhibited high levels of polarization and originated in the primary black hole jet. We propose that the follow-up flares were induced as a result of accretion disk perturbations, travelling from the site of impact towards the primary SMBH. The timings inferred from our observations allowed us to estimate the propagation speed of these perturbations. Additionally, we make predictions for the future brightness of OJ 287. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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973 KiB  
Article
Circular Polarization in Turbulent Blazar Jets
by Nicholas Roy MacDonald
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040082 - 20 Nov 2017
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3290
Abstract
Circular polarization (CP) provides an invaluable probe into the underlying plasma content of relativistic jets. CP can be generated within the jet through a physical process known as linear birefringence. This is a physical mechanism through which initially linearly polarized emission produced in [...] Read more.
Circular polarization (CP) provides an invaluable probe into the underlying plasma content of relativistic jets. CP can be generated within the jet through a physical process known as linear birefringence. This is a physical mechanism through which initially linearly polarized emission produced in one region of the jet is attenuated by Faraday rotation as it passes through other regions of the jet with distinct magnetic field orientations. Marscher developed the turbulent extreme multi-zone (TEMZ) model of blazar emission which mimics these types of magnetic geometries with collections of thousands of plasma cells passing through a standing conical shock. I have recently developed a radiative transfer algorithm to generate synthetic images of the time-dependent circularly polarized intensity emanating from the TEMZ model at different radio frequencies. In this study, we produce synthetic multi-epoch observations that highlight the temporal variability in the circular polarization produced by the TEMZ model. We also explore the effect that different plasma compositions within the jet have on the resultant levels of CP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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434 KiB  
Article
Full-Stokes, Multi-Frequency Radio Polarimetry of Fermi Blazars; Monitoring and Modelling
by Emmanouil Angelakis, Ioannis Myserlis and J. Anton Zensus
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040081 - 20 Nov 2017
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3232
Abstract
The polarised emission from active galactic nuclei (AGN) jets carries information about the physical conditions at the emitting plasma elements, while its temporal evolution probes the physical processes that introduce variability and dynamically modify the local conditions. Here we present the analysis of [...] Read more.
The polarised emission from active galactic nuclei (AGN) jets carries information about the physical conditions at the emitting plasma elements, while its temporal evolution probes the physical processes that introduce variability and dynamically modify the local conditions. Here we present the analysis of multi-frequency radio linear and circular polarisation datasets with the aim of exactly quantifying the conditions in blazar jets. Our analysis includes both the careful treatment of observational datasets and numerical modelling for the reproduction of synthetic polarisation curves that can be compared to the observed ones. In our approach, the variability is attributed to traveling shocks. The emission from the cells of our jet model is computed with radiative transfer of all Stokes parameters. The model also accounts for Faraday effects which map the low-energy particle populations. We present two extreme cases in terms of the significance of Faraday conversion in the production of circular polarisation. As we show, in both regimes the model gives a realistic reproduction of the observed emission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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236 KiB  
Article
Polarized Emission from Gamma-Ray Burst Jets
by Shiho Kobayashi
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040080 - 17 Nov 2017
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3373
Abstract
I review how polarization signals have been discussed in the research field of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). I mainly discuss two subjects in which polarimetry enables us to study the nature of relativistic jets. (1) Jet breaks: Gamma-ray bursts are produced in ultra-relativistic jets. [...] Read more.
I review how polarization signals have been discussed in the research field of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). I mainly discuss two subjects in which polarimetry enables us to study the nature of relativistic jets. (1) Jet breaks: Gamma-ray bursts are produced in ultra-relativistic jets. Due to the relativistic beaming effect, the emission can be modeled in a spherical model at early times. However, as the jet gradually slows down, we begin to see the edge of the jet together with polarized signals at some point. (2) Optical flash: later time afterglow is known to be insensitive to the properties of the original ejecta from the GRB central engine. However, a short-lived, reverse shock emission would enable us to study the nature of of GRB jets. I also briefly discuss the recent detection of optical circular polarization in GRB afterglow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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1424 KiB  
Article
Synchrotron Radiation Maps from Relativistic MHD Jet Simulations
by Dimitrios Millas, Oliver Porth and Rony Keppens
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040079 - 15 Nov 2017
Viewed by 2951
Abstract
Relativistic jets from active galactic nuclei (AGN) often display a non-uniform structure and are, under certain conditions, susceptible to a number of instabilities. An interesting example is the development of non-axisymmetric, Rayleigh-Taylor type instabilities in the case of differentially rotating two-component jets, with [...] Read more.
Relativistic jets from active galactic nuclei (AGN) often display a non-uniform structure and are, under certain conditions, susceptible to a number of instabilities. An interesting example is the development of non-axisymmetric, Rayleigh-Taylor type instabilities in the case of differentially rotating two-component jets, with the toroidal component of the magnetic field playing a key role in the development or suppression of these instabilities. We have shown that higher magnetization leads to stability against these non-axisymmetric instabilities. Using ray-casting on data from relativistic MHD simulations of two-component jets, we now investigate the effect of these instabilities on the synchrotron emission pattern from the jets. We recover many well known trends from actual observations, e.g., regarding the polarization fraction and the distribution of the position angle of the electric field, in addition to a different emitting region, depending on the stability of the jet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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854 KiB  
Article
Gravitational Lens Time Delays Using Polarization Monitoring
by Andrew Biggs and Ian Browne
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040076 - 13 Nov 2017
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3095
Abstract
Gravitational lens time delays provide a means of measuring the expansion of the Universe at high redshift (and therefore in the ‘Hubble flow’) that is independent of local calibrations. It was hoped that many of the radio lenses found in the JVAS/CLASS survey [...] Read more.
Gravitational lens time delays provide a means of measuring the expansion of the Universe at high redshift (and therefore in the ‘Hubble flow’) that is independent of local calibrations. It was hoped that many of the radio lenses found in the JVAS/CLASS survey would yield time delays as these were selected to have flat spectra and are dominated by multiple compact components. However, despite extensive monitoring with the Very Large Array (VLA), time delays have only been measured for three of these systems (out of 22). We have begun a programme to reanalyse the existing VLA monitoring data with the goal of producing light curves in polarized flux and polarization position angle, either to improve delay measurements or to find delays for new sources. Here, we present preliminary results on the lens system B1600+434 which demonstrate the presence of correlated and substantial polarization variability in each image. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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1173 KiB  
Article
The University of Michigan Centimeter-Band All Stokes Blazar Monitoring Program: Single-Dish Polarimetry as a Probe of Parsec-Scale Magnetic Fields
by Margo F. Aller, Hugh D. Aller and Philip A. Hughes
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040075 - 13 Nov 2017
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3361
Abstract
The University of Michigan 26-m paraboloid was dedicated to obtaining linear polarization and total flux density observations of blazars from the mid-1960s until June 2012, providing an unprecedented record tracking centimeter-band variability over decades at 14.5, 8.0, and 4.8 GHz for both targeted [...] Read more.
The University of Michigan 26-m paraboloid was dedicated to obtaining linear polarization and total flux density observations of blazars from the mid-1960s until June 2012, providing an unprecedented record tracking centimeter-band variability over decades at 14.5, 8.0, and 4.8 GHz for both targeted objects and members of flux-limited samples. In the mid-1970s through the mid-1980s, and during the last decade of the program, observations were additionally obtained of circular polarization for a small sample of radio-bright (S > 5 Jy), active sources. Key program results include evidence supporting class-dependent differences in the magnetic field geometry of BL Lac and QSO jets, identification of linear polarization changes temporally associated with flux outbursts supporting a shock-in-jet scenario, and determination of the spectral evolution of the Stokes V amplitude and polarity for testing proposed models. Recent radiative transfer modeling during large flares supports a jet scenario with a kinetically-dominated, relativistic flow at parsec scales with embedded turbulent magnetic fields and dynamically-weak ordered components which may be helical; the circular polarization observations are consistent with linear-to-circular mode conversion within this turbulent jet environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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2960 KiB  
Article
Radiative Signatures of Parsec-Scale Magnetised Jets
by Christian M. Fromm, Oliver Porth, Ziri Younsi, Yosuke Mizuno, Mariafelica De Laurentis, Hector Olivares and Luciano Rezzolla
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040073 - 6 Nov 2017
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3693
Abstract
Relativistic jets are launched from the immediate vicinity of black holes and can reach kilo-parsec scales. During their evolution from the smallest to the largest scales, they encounter different physical conditions (e.g., ambient configurations and magnetic fields) which can modify their morphology and [...] Read more.
Relativistic jets are launched from the immediate vicinity of black holes and can reach kilo-parsec scales. During their evolution from the smallest to the largest scales, they encounter different physical conditions (e.g., ambient configurations and magnetic fields) which can modify their morphology and dynamics. Using state-of-the-art relativistic magneto-hydrodynamical simulations and ray-tracing algorithms, we model the dynamics of jets along with their radiation microphysics, investigating the impact of magnetisation on the jet dynamics and the observed emission. During the post-processing procedure we account for the properties of the observing array (sparse uv-plane) and the imaging algorithm, enabling a more direct comparison between simulations and ground-or space-based very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations. The different jet models can be distinguished from the reconstructed radio images. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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866 KiB  
Article
Linear Polarimetry with γ→e+e− Conversions
by Denis Bernard
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040072 - 1 Nov 2017
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2975
Abstract
γ -rays are emitted by cosmic sources by non-thermal processes that yield either non-polarized photons, such as those from π 0 decay in hadronic interactions, or linearly polarized photons from synchrotron radiation and the inverse-Compton up-shifting of these on high-energy charged particles. Polarimetry [...] Read more.
γ -rays are emitted by cosmic sources by non-thermal processes that yield either non-polarized photons, such as those from π 0 decay in hadronic interactions, or linearly polarized photons from synchrotron radiation and the inverse-Compton up-shifting of these on high-energy charged particles. Polarimetry in the MeV energy range would provide a powerful tool to discriminate among “leptonic” and “hadronic” emission models of blazars, for example, but no polarimeter sensitive above 1 MeV has ever been flown into space. Low-Z converter telescopes such as silicon detectors are developed to improve the angular resolution and the point-like sensitivity below 100 MeV. We have shown that in the case of a homogeneous, low-density active target such as a gas time-projection chamber (TPC), the single-track angular resolution is even better and is so good that in addition the linear polarimetry of the incoming radiation can be performed. We actually characterized the performance of a prototype of such a telescope on beam. Track momentum measurement in the tracker would enable calorimeter-free, large effective area telescopes on low-mass space missions. An optimal unbiased momentum estimate can be obtained in the tracker alone based on the momentum dependence of multiple scattering, from a Bayesian analysis of the innovations of Kalman filters applied to the tracks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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404 KiB  
Article
Electric Currents along Astrophysical Jets
by Ioannis Contopoulos
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040071 - 25 Oct 2017
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 8574
Abstract
Astrophysical black holes and their surrounding accretion disks are believed to be threaded by grand design helical magnetic fields. There is strong theoretical evidence that the main driver of their winds and jets is the Lorentz force generated by these fields and their [...] Read more.
Astrophysical black holes and their surrounding accretion disks are believed to be threaded by grand design helical magnetic fields. There is strong theoretical evidence that the main driver of their winds and jets is the Lorentz force generated by these fields and their associated electric currents. Several researchers have reported direct evidence for large scale electric currents along astrophysical jets. Quite unexpectedly, their directions are not random as would have been the case if the magnetic field were generated by a magnetohydrodynamic dynamo. Instead, in all kpc-scale detections, the inferred electric currents are found to flow away from the galactic nucleus. This unexpected break of symmetry suggests that a battery mechanism is operating around the central black hole. In the present article, we summarize observational evidence for the existence of large scale electric currents and their associated grand design helical magnetic fields in kpc-scale astrophysical jets. We also present recent results of general relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulations which show the action of the Cosmic Battery in the vicinity of astrophysical black holes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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697 KiB  
Article
Automated Polarimetry with Smaller Aperture Telescopes: The ROVOR Observatory
by Joseph Moody, Parkes Whipple, Lauren Hindmann, Nicholas Van Alfen, Jonathan Barnes, Nicolas A. Ducharme, L. Joseph Rivest III, McKay D. Osborne, Marcus Holden, Cameron Pace, Richard L. Pearson III, Bret Little and Eric Hintz
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040070 - 23 Oct 2017
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2941
Abstract
To better understand possible blazar jet mechanisms and morphologies, brighter prototypical objects are regularly monitored for variability in optical broad-band light. If the monitoring filters are polarized, the position angles and polarization percentages can be measured and their evolution monitored over time. However, [...] Read more.
To better understand possible blazar jet mechanisms and morphologies, brighter prototypical objects are regularly monitored for variability in optical broad-band light. If the monitoring filters are polarized, the position angles and polarization percentages can be measured and their evolution monitored over time. However, building up a statistically significant time base of polarization parameters requires the arduous task of monitoring sources for months or years to catch and follow interesting events such as flares. Fortunately, monitoring an object is easily done using remotely operated or robotic telescopes. The Remote Observatory for Variable Object Research (ROVOR) is a small-aperture telescope that has monitored blazars in broad-band Johnson filters since 2009. Calibration data using a set of four plane-polarized filters suggest that it is suitable for polarimetric monitoring as well. We have successfully collected data on CTA 102 and are encouraged at the prospects of monitoring it and other similar objects. Long-term monitoring campaigns are a scientifically and educationally-effective use of underutilized smaller-aperture telescopes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
508 KiB  
Article
Polarization Monitoring of the Lens System JVAS B0218+357
by Andrew Biggs and Ian Browne
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040069 - 18 Oct 2017
Viewed by 2717
Abstract
Monitoring of the lens system JVAS B0218+357 with the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope measured a different time delay to that derived from radio observations. We have re-analysed three months of archival Very Large Array data to produce variability curves with an average sampling [...] Read more.
Monitoring of the lens system JVAS B0218+357 with the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope measured a different time delay to that derived from radio observations. We have re-analysed three months of archival Very Large Array data to produce variability curves with an average sampling of one epoch per day in total flux, polarized flux and polarization position angle (PPA) at 15, 8.4 and 5 GHz. The variability is particularly strong in polarized flux. Dense sampling and improved subtraction of the Einstein ring has allowed us to produce superior variability curves and a preliminary analysis has resulted in a time delay (11.5 days) which agrees well with the γ -ray value. Both images of 0218+357 are subject to strong Faraday rotation and depolarization as a result of the radio waves passing through the interstellar medium of the spiral lens galaxy. Our data reveal frequency-dependent variations in the PPA that are different in each image and which must therefore result from variable Faraday rotation in the lens galaxy on timescales of a few days. Our analysis has revealed systematic errors in the polarization position angle measurements that strongly correlate with hour angle. Although we have been able to correct for these, we caution that all VLA polarization observations are potentially affected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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2090 KiB  
Article
An Old Fogey’s History of Radio Jets
by Ralph Spencer
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040068 - 18 Oct 2017
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3223
Abstract
This paper describes a personal view of the discovery of radio jets in celestial radio sources. The existence of narrow, collimated optical features in distant objects has been known about since the early 20th century; however, the advent of radio astronomy in the [...] Read more.
This paper describes a personal view of the discovery of radio jets in celestial radio sources. The existence of narrow, collimated optical features in distant objects has been known about since the early 20th century; however, the advent of radio astronomy in the 1940s and 1950s revealed the existence of a large number of discrete radio sources. The realization that many of these objects were not primarily stellar or local to our own galaxy, but rather extragalactic, followed the determination of accurate radio positions, enabling identifications with optical objects. High-resolution radio interferometers found that they were often compact, and with a double lobed structure, implying outflow from a central object. Shortly afterwards, accurate techniques for the measurement of polarization were developed. However it was not until the advent of synthesis instruments in the 1970s that radio images of the sources were produced, and the existence of radio jets firmly established and their polarization characteristics found. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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6290 KiB  
Article
3 mm GMVA Observations of Total and Polarized Emission from Blazar and Radio Galaxy Core Regions
by Carolina Casadio, Thomas P. Krichbaum, Alan P. Marscher, Svetlana G. Jorstad, José L. Gómez, Iván Agudo, Uwe Bach, Jae-Young Kim, Jeffrey A. Hodgson and Anton J. Zensus
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040067 - 18 Oct 2017
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3865
Abstract
We present total and linearly polarized 3 mm Global mm-VLBI Array (GMVA; mm-VLBI: Very Long Baseline Interferometry observations at millimetre wavelengths) images of a sample of blazars and radio galaxies from the VLBA-BU-BLAZAR 7 mm monitoring program designed to probe the innermost regions [...] Read more.
We present total and linearly polarized 3 mm Global mm-VLBI Array (GMVA; mm-VLBI: Very Long Baseline Interferometry observations at millimetre wavelengths) images of a sample of blazars and radio galaxies from the VLBA-BU-BLAZAR 7 mm monitoring program designed to probe the innermost regions of active galactic nuclei (AGN) jets and locate the sites of gamma-ray emission observed by the Fermi-LAT. The lower opacity at 3 mm and improved angular resolution—on the order of 50 microarcseconds—allow us to distinguish features in the jet not visible in the 7 mm VLBA data. We also compare two different methods used for the calibration of instrumental polarisation and we analyze the resulting images for some of the sources in the sample. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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454 KiB  
Article
Radio Polarisation Study of High Rotation Measure AGNs
by Yik Ki Ma, Sui Ann Mao, Aritra Basu, Carl Heiles and Jennifer West
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040066 - 16 Oct 2017
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2987
Abstract
As radio polarised emission from astrophysical objects traverse through foreground magnetised plasma, the physical conditions along the lines of sight are encrypted in the form of rotation measure (RM). We performed broadband spectro-polarimetric observations of high rotation measure ( [...] Read more.
As radio polarised emission from astrophysical objects traverse through foreground magnetised plasma, the physical conditions along the lines of sight are encrypted in the form of rotation measure (RM). We performed broadband spectro-polarimetric observations of high rotation measure ( | RM | ≳ 300 rad m − 2 ) sources away from the Galactic plane ( | b | > 10 ∘ ) selected from the NVSS RM catalogue. The main goals are to verify the NVSS RM values, which could be susceptible to n π -ambiguity, as well as to identify the origin of the extreme RM values. We show that 40 % of our sample suffer from n π -ambiguity in the NVSS RM catalogue. There are also hints of RM variabilities over ∼20 years epoch for most of our sources, as revealed by comparing the RM values of the two studies in the same frequency ranges after correcting for n π -ambiguity. At last, we demonstrate the possibility of applying QU-fitting to study the ambient media of AGNs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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1091 KiB  
Article
High-Sensitivity AGN Polarimetry at Sub-Millimeter Wavelengths
by Ivan Martí-Vidal and Sébastien Muller
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040065 - 15 Oct 2017
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3274
Abstract
The innermost regions of radio loud Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) jets are heavily affected by synchrotron self-absorption, due to the strong magnetic fields and high particle densities in these extreme zones. The only way to overcome this absorption is to observe at sub-millimeter [...] Read more.
The innermost regions of radio loud Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) jets are heavily affected by synchrotron self-absorption, due to the strong magnetic fields and high particle densities in these extreme zones. The only way to overcome this absorption is to observe at sub-millimeter wavelengths, although polarimetric observations at such frequencies have so far been limited by sensitivity and calibration accuracy. However, new generation instruments such as the Atacama Large mm/sub-mm Array (ALMA) overcome these limitations and are starting to deliver revolutionary results in the observational studies of AGN polarimetry. Here we present an overview of our state-of-the-art interferometric mm/sub-mm polarization observations of AGN jets with ALMA (in particular, the gravitationally-lensed sources PKS 1830−211 and B0218+359), which allow us to probe the magneto-ionic conditions at the regions closest to the central black holes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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10461 KiB  
Article
Modeling the Time-Dependent Polarization of Blazars
by Alan P. Marscher, Svetlana G. Jorstad and Karen E. Williamson
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040063 - 13 Oct 2017
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3135
Abstract
Linear polarization is an extremely valuable observational tool for probing the dynamic physical conditions of blazar jets. Some patterns are seen in the data, suggestive of order that can be explained by shock waves and helical magnetic field components. However, much disorder is [...] Read more.
Linear polarization is an extremely valuable observational tool for probing the dynamic physical conditions of blazar jets. Some patterns are seen in the data, suggestive of order that can be explained by shock waves and helical magnetic field components. However, much disorder is apparent, which implies that turbulence plays a major role as well, especially in the fluctuations of flux and polarization, and perhaps particle acceleration. Here, we present some actual flux and polarization versus time data, plus simulations of model jets. We analyze the output of the simulations in a manner that can be compared with observational data. The results suggest that the ratio of turbulent to ordered magnetic fields varies with time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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1459 KiB  
Article
A Model of Polarisation Rotations in Blazars from Kink Instabilities in Relativistic Jets
by Krzysztof Nalewajko
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040064 - 12 Oct 2017
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2864
Abstract
This paper presents a simple model of polarisation rotation in optically thin relativistic jets of blazars. The model is based on the development of helical (kink) mode of current-driven instability. A possible explanation is suggested for the observational connection between polarisation rotations and [...] Read more.
This paper presents a simple model of polarisation rotation in optically thin relativistic jets of blazars. The model is based on the development of helical (kink) mode of current-driven instability. A possible explanation is suggested for the observational connection between polarisation rotations and optical/gamma-ray flares in blazars, if the current-driven modes are triggered by secular increases of the total jet power. The importance of intrinsic depolarisation in limiting the amplitude of coherent polarisation rotations is demonstrated. The polarisation rotation amplitude is thus very sensitive to the viewing angle, which appears to be inconsistent with the observational estimates of viewing angles in blazars showing polarisation rotations. Overall, there are serious obstacles to explaining large-amplitude polarisation rotations in blazars in terms of current-driven kink modes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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349 KiB  
Article
Searching for Jet Emission in LMXBs: A Polarimetric View
by Maria Cristina Baglio, Paolo D’Avanzo, Sergio Campana and Dave M. Russell
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040062 - 7 Oct 2017
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4720
Abstract
We present results taken from a study aiming at detecting the emission from relativistic particles jets in neutron star-low mass X-ray binaries using optical polarimetric observations. First, we focus on a polarimetric study performed on the persistent LMXB 4U 0614+091. Once corrected for [...] Read more.
We present results taken from a study aiming at detecting the emission from relativistic particles jets in neutron star-low mass X-ray binaries using optical polarimetric observations. First, we focus on a polarimetric study performed on the persistent LMXB 4U 0614+091. Once corrected for interstellar effects, we measured an intrinsic linear polarization in the r-band of ~3% at a 3σ confidence level. This is in-line with the observation of an infrared excess in the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the source, reported in a previous work, which the authors linked to the optically thin synchrotron emission of a jet. We then present a study performed on the transitional millisecond pulsar PSR J1023+0038 during quiescence. We measured a linear polarization of 1.09 ± 0.27% and 0.90 ± 0.17% in the V and R bands, respectively. The phase-resolved polarimetric curve of the source in the R-band reveals a hint of a sinusoidal modulation at the source orbital period. The NIR -optical SED of the system did not suggest the presence of a jet. We conclude that the optical linear polarization observed for PSR J1023+0038 is possibly due to Thomson scattering with electrons in the disc, as also suggested by the hint of the modulation of the R-band linear polarization at the system orbital period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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1990 KiB  
Article
Evidence for Toroidal B-Field Components in AGN Jets on Kiloparsec Scales
by Sebastian Knuettel, Denise Gabuzda and Shane P. O’Sullivan
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040061 - 4 Oct 2017
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3876
Abstract
Though helical magnetic fields are generally believed to arise when the jets of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are launched, it is still unclear what role they play (and if they survive) to the largest jet scales. A helical or toroidal B-field may contribute [...] Read more.
Though helical magnetic fields are generally believed to arise when the jets of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are launched, it is still unclear what role they play (and if they survive) to the largest jet scales. A helical or toroidal B-field may contribute substantially to the collimation of the jet. This B-field structure can be detected in images of the Faraday rotation measure (RM)—a measure of the change in polarisation angle of an electromagnetic wave as it passes through a magneto-ionic medium. The Faraday rotation measure is directly proportional to the line-of-sight magnetic field; therefore a monotonic gradient in the RM transverse to the jet indicates similar behaviour of the line-of-sight B-field component. This type of analysis has mostly been done on parsec scales using VLBI observations at centimetre wavelengths, while relatively few studies have probed decaparsec to kiloparsec scales. The detection of RM gradients with significances of 3 σ or more on such large scales can demonstrate the presence of a toroidal field component, which may be associated with a helical field that has persisted to these distances from the centre of the AGN. We present the results of new Faraday rotation analyses for 2 AGN on kiloparsec scales based on multiwavelength VLA observations, with robust transverse RM gradients detected in both. Furthermore, the direction of the inferred toroidal B-fields on the sky supports previous results indicating a predominance of outward currents in the jets on kiloparsec scales. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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7149 KiB  
Article
Microscopic Processes in Global Relativistic Jets Containing Helical Magnetic Fields: Dependence on Jet Radius
by Ken-Ichi Nishikawa, Yosuke Mizuno, Jose L. Gómez, Ioana Duţan, Athina Meli, Charley White, Jacek Niemiec, Oleh Kobzar, Martin Pohl, Asaf Pe’er, Jacob Trier Frederiksen, Åke Nordlund, Helene Sol, Philip E. Hardee and Dieter H. Hartmann
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040058 - 26 Sep 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4341
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the interaction of jets with their environment at a microscopic level, which is a key open question in the study of relativistic jets. Using small simulation systems during past research, we initially studied the evolution of both electron–proton [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigate the interaction of jets with their environment at a microscopic level, which is a key open question in the study of relativistic jets. Using small simulation systems during past research, we initially studied the evolution of both electron–proton and electron–positron relativistic jets containing helical magnetic fields, by focusing on their interactions with an ambient plasma. Here, using larger jet radii, we have performed simulations of global jets containing helical magnetic fields in order to examine how helical magnetic fields affect kinetic instabilities, such as the Weibel instability, the kinetic Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (kKHI) and the mushroom instability (MI). We found that the evolution of global jets strongly depends on the size of the jet radius. For example, phase bunching of jet electrons, in particular in the electron–proton jet, is mixed with a larger jet radius as a result of the more complicated structures of magnetic fields with excited kinetic instabilities. In our simulation, these kinetic instabilities led to new types of instabilities in global jets. In the electron–proton jet simulation, a modified recollimation occurred, and jet electrons were strongly perturbed. In the electron–positron jet simulation, mixed kinetic instabilities occurred early, followed by a turbulence-like structure. Simulations using much larger (and longer) systems are required in order to further thoroughly investigate the evolution of global jets containing helical magnetic fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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781 KiB  
Article
On the Time Variable Rotation Measure in the Core Region of Markarian 421
by Rocco Lico, José L. Gómez, Keiichi Asada and Antonio Fuentes
Galaxies 2017, 5(4), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5040057 - 26 Sep 2017
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3284
Abstract
In this conference contribution, we discuss and interpret the time variable rotation measure (RM) detected in the core region of the TeV blazar Markarian 421 (Mrk 421). We monitored Mrk 421 during 2011 with one observing run per month at 15, 24, and [...] Read more.
In this conference contribution, we discuss and interpret the time variable rotation measure (RM) detected in the core region of the TeV blazar Markarian 421 (Mrk 421). We monitored Mrk 421 during 2011 with one observing run per month at 15, 24, and 43 GHz with the American Very Long Baseline Array. We explore the possible connection between the RM and the accretion rate, and we investigate the Faraday screen properties and its location with respect to the jet emitting region. Among the various scenarios, the jet sheath is the most promising candidate for being the main source of Faraday rotation. We interpret the RM sign reversals observed during the one-year monitoring within the context of the magnetic tower models by invoking the presence of two nested helical magnetic fields in the relativistic jet with opposite helicities, originating through the Poynting–Robertson cosmic battery effect. The net observed RM values result from the relative contribution of both inner and outer helical fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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1326 KiB  
Article
Modeling Polarized Emission from Black Hole Jets: Application to M87 Core Jet
by Monika Mościbrodzka
Galaxies 2017, 5(3), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5030054 - 19 Sep 2017
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3523
Abstract
We combine three-dimensional general-relativistic numerical models of hot, magnetized Advection Dominated Accretion Flows around a supermassive black hole and the corresponding outflows from them with a general relativistic polarized radiative transfer model to produce synthetic radio images and spectra of jet outflows. We [...] Read more.
We combine three-dimensional general-relativistic numerical models of hot, magnetized Advection Dominated Accretion Flows around a supermassive black hole and the corresponding outflows from them with a general relativistic polarized radiative transfer model to produce synthetic radio images and spectra of jet outflows. We apply the model to the underluminous core of M87 galaxy. The assumptions and results of the calculations are discussed in context of millimeter observations of the M87 jet launching zone. Our ab initio polarized emission and rotation measure models allow us to address the constrains on the mass accretion rate onto the M87 supermassive black hole. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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503 KiB  
Article
SALT Spectropolarimetry and Self-Consistent SED and Polarization Modeling of Blazars
by Markus Böttcher, Brian Van Soelen, Richard J. Britto, David A. H. Buckley, Johannes P. Marais and Hester Schutte
Galaxies 2017, 5(3), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5030052 - 11 Sep 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3437
Abstract
We report on recent results froma target-of-opportunity program to obtain spectropolarimetry observations with the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) on flaring gamma-ray blazars. SALT spectropolarimetry and contemporaneous multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution (SED) data are being modelled self-consistently with a leptonic single-zone model. Such [...] Read more.
We report on recent results froma target-of-opportunity program to obtain spectropolarimetry observations with the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) on flaring gamma-ray blazars. SALT spectropolarimetry and contemporaneous multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution (SED) data are being modelled self-consistently with a leptonic single-zone model. Such modeling provides an accurate estimate of the degree of order of the magnetic field in the emission region and the thermal contributions (from the host galaxy and the accretion disk) to the SED, thus putting strong constraints on the physical parameters of the gamma-ray emitting region. For the specific case of the γ -ray blazar 4C+01.02, we demonstrate that the combined SED and spectropolarimetry modeling constrains the mass of the central black hole in this blazar to M BH ∼ 10 9 M ⊙ . Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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763 KiB  
Article
Knots in Relativistic Transverse Stratified Jets
by Zakaria Meliani and Olivier Hervet
Galaxies 2017, 5(3), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5030050 - 5 Sep 2017
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2914
Abstract
We investigate the plasmoid knot formation in stratified relativistic jet by means of relativistic magneto-hydrodynamics simulations. Indeed, astrophysical jets in active galactic nuclei (AGN) seem to be transversely stratified, with a fast inner jet and a slower outer jet. It is likely that [...] Read more.
We investigate the plasmoid knot formation in stratified relativistic jet by means of relativistic magneto-hydrodynamics simulations. Indeed, astrophysical jets in active galactic nuclei (AGN) seem to be transversely stratified, with a fast inner jet and a slower outer jet. It is likely that the launching mechanism for each component is different. On the other hand, the steady and moving knots’ properties are observed along these jets. With the proposed model, we were able to link the different types of observed knot in various radio loud AGN with specific stratified jet characteristics. We showed that the increase energy flux at the outer edge of the jet induces a steady knot near the core and a moving knot at a greater distance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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10185 KiB  
Article
Can CMB Surveys Help the AGN Community?
by Bruce Partridge, Laura Bonavera, Marcos López-Caniego, Rahul Datta, Joaquin Gonzalez-Nuevo, Megan Gralla, Diego Herranz, Anne Lähteenmäki, Laura Mocanu, Heather Prince, Joaquin Vieira, Nathan Whitehorn and Lizhong Zhang
Galaxies 2017, 5(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5030047 - 30 Aug 2017
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4011
Abstract
Contemporary projects to measure anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) are now detecting hundreds to thousands of extragalactic radio sources, most of them blazars. As a member of a group of CMB scientists involved in the construction of catalogues of such sources [...] Read more.
Contemporary projects to measure anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) are now detecting hundreds to thousands of extragalactic radio sources, most of them blazars. As a member of a group of CMB scientists involved in the construction of catalogues of such sources and their analysis, I wish to point out the potential value of CMB surveys to studies of AGN jets and their polarization. Current CMB projects, for instance, reach mJy sensitivity, offer wide sky coverage, are “blind” and generally of uniform sensitivity across the sky (hence useful statistically), make essentially simultaneous multi-frequency observations at frequencies from 30 to 857 GHz, routinely offer repeated observations of sources with interesting cadences and now generally provide polarization measurements. The aim here is not to analyze in any depth the AGN science already derived from such projects, but rather to heighten awareness of their promise for the AGN community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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1598 KiB  
Article
High-Energy Polarization: Scientific Potential and Model Predictions
by Haocheng Zhang
Galaxies 2017, 5(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies5030032 - 28 Jul 2017
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3235
Abstract
Understanding magnetic field strength and morphology is very important for studying astrophysical jets. Polarization signatures have been a standard way to probe the jet magnetic field. Radio and optical polarization monitoring programs have been very successful in studying the space- and time-dependent jet [...] Read more.
Understanding magnetic field strength and morphology is very important for studying astrophysical jets. Polarization signatures have been a standard way to probe the jet magnetic field. Radio and optical polarization monitoring programs have been very successful in studying the space- and time-dependent jet polarization behaviors. A new era is now arriving with high-energy polarimetry. X-ray and γ -ray polarimetry can probe the most active jet regions with the most efficient particle acceleration. This new opportunity will make a strong impact on our current understanding of jet systems. This paper summarizes the scientific potential and current model predictions for X-ray and γ -ray polarization of astrophysical jets. In particular, we discuss the advantages of using high-energy polarimetry to constrain several important problems in the jet physics, including the jet radiation mechanisms, particle acceleration mechanisms, and jet kinetic and magnetic energy composition. Here we take blazars as a study case, but the general approach can be similarly applied to other astrophysical jets. We conclude that by comparing combined magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), particle transport, and polarization-dependent radiation transfer simulations with multi-wavelength time-dependent radiation and polarization observations, we will obtain the strongest constraints and the best knowledge of jet physics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polarised Emission from Astrophysical Jets)
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