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Learning about jet physics from gamma-ray blazarsThe spectral properties of the MeV radiation-dominated blazars are used to place constraints on the physical parameters of relativistic jets in quasars. The luminosities and positions of high energy and low energy spectral components are used to derive constraints on the jet speeds, magnetic fields and the distances at which most of the nonthermal radiation is produced. By comparing the theoretically predicted bulk-Compton radiation with the observed soft X-ray luminosities, upper limits on the optical thickness and lower limits on the distance where the relativistic jet is formed and collimated, are identified. The results show that these jets should be Thomson optically thin and, in the case of gamma ray production dominated by the external radiation Compton process, favor proton-electron jets. Weaker constraints on the pair production are provided if the gamma ray production is dominated by the synchrotron self Compton (SSC) process. The values of the jet Lorentz factors predicted by the SSC models are smaller than those observed in quasars.
Document ID
19970025812
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Sikora, M.
(Polish Academy of Sciences Warsaw Poland)
Moderski, R.
(Polish Academy of Sciences Warsaw Poland)
Madejski, G.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Poutanen, J.
(Stockholm Observatory Saltsjobaden Sweden)
Date Acquired
August 17, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1997
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Accession Number
97N25282
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: KBN-2P03D01209
CONTRACT_GRANT: KBN-2P03D01010
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-2026
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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