Origin of Chromatic Features in Multiple Quasars -Variability, Dust, or Microlensing -

Details Origin of Chromatic Features in Multiple Quasars -Variability, Dust, or Microlensing - Origin of Chromatic Features in Multiple Quasars -Variability, Dust, or Microlensing -

2007-09-11

arxiv.org/abs/0709.1527v1

A&A, 478 (2008) 95-109

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

24 pages, 13 figures, accepted to A&A

Scientific paper

10.1051/0004-6361:20067014

Aims:In some of the lensed quasars, color differences between multiple images are observed at optical/near-infrared wavelengths. There are three possible origins of the color differences: intrinsic variabilities of quasars, differential dust extinction, and quasar microlensing. We examine how these three possible scenarios can reproduce the observed chromaticity. Methods:We evaluate how much color difference between multiple images can be reproduced by the above three possible scenarios with realistic models; (i) an empirical relation for intrinsic variabilities of quasars, (ii) empirical relations for dust extinction and theoretically predicted inhomogeneity in galaxies, or (iii) a theoretical model for quasar accretion disks and magnification patterns in the vicinity of caustics. Results:We find that intrinsic variabilities of quasars cannot be a dominant source responsible for observed chromatic features in multiple quasars. In contrast, either dust extinction or quasar microlensing can nicely reproduce the observed color differences between multiple images in most of the lensed quasars. Taking into account the time interval between observations at different wavebands in our estimations, quasar microlensing is a more realistic scenario to reproduce the observed color differences than dust extinction. All the observed color differences presented in this paper can be explained by a combination of these two effects, but monitoring observations at multiple wavebands are necessary to disentangle these.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Origin of Chromatic Features in Multiple Quasars -Variability, Dust, or Microlensing - 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 Origin of Chromatic Features in Multiple Quasars -Variability, Dust, or Microlensing -, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Origin of Chromatic Features in Multiple Quasars -Variability, Dust, or Microlensing - will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-391925