Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2001-07-31
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
43 pages, 43 Figures. Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal
Scientific paper
10.1086/323522
We present results from the highest resolution polarization imaging survey of a complete sample of extragalactic radio sources carried out to date. Our sample consists of a statistically complete flat-spectrum subset of 32 AGNs from the Pearson-Readhead survey, which has been studied at a variety of wavelengths and resolutions, including space-VLBI. Our observations were made with the VLBA at 43 GHz, where the relatively higher resolution and weaker opacity effects have allowed us to probe magnetic field structures in the jets of these AGNs much closer to the central engine than in previous studies. At 43 GHz, the bulk of the total intensity and polarized emission in most flat-spectrum AGNs originates from an unresolved core component located at the extreme end of a faint jet. The luminosity of the core is positively correlated with the total source luminosity in soft x-rays, in the optical, and at 5 GHz. The most strongly polarized cores display electric vectors that are roughly aligned with the jet axis, which is consistent with a strong transverse shock that enhances the perpendicular component of the jet magnetic field. Sources with highly polarized cores also tend to have high optical polarizations and flatter overall radio spectra. Approximately half of the jets in our sample display apparently bent morphologies that are suggestive of streaming motions along a helical path. The straightest jets in the sample tend to display slower superluminal speeds than those that are significantly bent. We also confirm that intrinsic differences in the magnetic field properties of BL Lacertae objects and quasars previously seen on scales of tens of milliarcseconds are also present in regions much closer to the base of the jet.
No associations
LandOfFree
Parsec-Scale Jet Polarization Properties of a Complete Sample of Active Galactic Nuclei at 43 GHz does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Parsec-Scale Jet Polarization Properties of a Complete Sample of Active Galactic Nuclei at 43 GHz, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Parsec-Scale Jet Polarization Properties of a Complete Sample of Active Galactic Nuclei at 43 GHz will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-359639