scholarly journals Multiwavelength study of high-redshift blazars

2020 ◽  
Vol 498 (2) ◽  
pp. 2594-2613
Author(s):  
N Sahakyan ◽  
D Israyelyan ◽  
G Harutyunyan ◽  
M Khachatryan ◽  
S Gasparyan

ABSTRACT High-redshift blazars are among the most powerful objects in the Universe. The spectral and temporal properties of 33 distant blazars (z > 2.5) detected in the high-energy γ-ray band are investigated by analysing the Fermi-LAT and Swift Ultraviolet and Optical Telescope/X-ray Telescope (UVOT/XRT) data. The considered sources have soft time-averaged γ-ray spectra (Γγ ≥ 2.2) whereas those that have been observed in the X-ray band have hard X-ray spectra (ΓX = 1.01−1.86). The γ-ray flux of high-redshift blazars ranges from 4.84 × 10−10 to 1.50 × 10−7 photon cm−2 s−1 and the luminosity is within (0.10−5.54) × 1048 erg s−1 which during the γ-ray flares increases up to (0.1−1) × 1050 erg s−1. In the X-ray band, only the emission of PKS 0438−43, B2 0743+25, and TXS 0222+185 is found to vary in different Swift XRT observations whereas in the γ-ray band, the emission is variable for fourteen sources: the flux of B3 1343+451 and PKS 0537−286 changes in sub-day scales, that of PKS 0347−211 and PKS 0451−28 in day scales, while the γ-ray variability of the others is in week or month scales. The properties of distant blazar jets are derived by modelling the multiwavelength spectral energy distributions within a one-zone leptonic scenario assuming that the X-ray and γ-ray emissions are produced from inverse Compton scattering of synchrotron and dusty torus photons. From the fitting, the emission region size is found to be ≤0.05 pc and the magnetic field and the Doppler factor are correspondingly within 0.10−1.74 G and 10.0−27.4. By modelling the optical–UV excess, we found that the central black hole masses and accretion disc luminosities are within Ld ≃ (1.09−10.94) × 1046 erg s−1 and (1.69−5.35) × 109 M⊙, respectively.

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (19) ◽  
pp. 3147-3154
Author(s):  
M. JOSHI ◽  
M. BÖTTCHER

The BL Lac object 3C 66A was the target of an intensive multiwavelength monitoring campaign organized in 2003–2004. During the campaign, its spectral energy distribution (SED) was measured and flux measurements from radio to X-ray frequencies as well as upper limits in the very high energy (VHE) γ-ray regime were obtained. Here, we reproduce the SED and optical spectral variability pattern observed during our multiwavelength campaign using a time-dependent leptonic jet model. Our model could successfully simulate the observed SED and optical light curves and predict an intrinsic cutoff value for the VHE γ-ray emission at ~4 GeV implying the effect of the optical depth due to the intergalactic infrared background radiation (IIBR) to be negligible. Also, the contribution of external Comptonization (EIC), due to the presence of a broad-line region (BLR), in the emission of γ-ray photons could be significant early-on when the emission region is very close to the central engine but as it travels farther out, the production mechanism of hard X-ray and γ-ray photons becomes dominated by synchrotron self-Compton mechanism (SSC).


2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. A144 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Sahakyan

The origin of the multiwavelength emission from PKS 0502+049 neighboring the first cosmic neutrino source TXS 0506+056 is studied using the data observed byFermi-Large Area Telescope andSwiftUltraViolet/Optical Telescope and X-Ray Telescope. This source was in a flaring state in the considered bands before and after the neutrino observations in 2014–2015, characterized by hard emission spectra in the X-ray andγ-ray bands, ≃1.5 − 1.8 and ≤2.0, respectively. During the neutrino observations, theγ-ray spectrum shows a deviation from a simple power-law shape, indicating a spectral cutoff atEc = 8.50 ± 2.06 GeV. The spectral energy distributions of PKS 0502+049 are modeled within a one-zone leptonic scenario assuming that high energyγ-ray emission is produced either by inverse Compton scattering of synchrotron or dusty torus photons by the electron population that produce the radio-to-optical emission. Alternatively, the observedγ-rays are modeled considering inelastic interaction of protons, when the jet interacts with a dense gaseous target. During the neutrino observations, theγ-ray data are best described when the proton energy distribution is ∼E−2.61pand if the protons are effectively accelerated up to 10 PeV, the expected neutrino rate is ∼1.1 events within 110 days. In principle, if theγ-ray emission with a hard photon index observed during the flaring periods extends up to teraelectronvolt energies, the expected rate can be somewhat higher, but such conditions are hardly possible. Within the hadronic interpretation, theγ-ray data can be reproduced only when the accretion rate of PKS 0502+049 is in the super-Eddington regime, as opposed to the leptonic scenario. From the point of view of the necessary energetics, as well as considering that the required parameters are physically reasonable, when the neutrinos were observed the broadband emission from PKS 0502+049 was most likely of a leptonic origin.


2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (S296) ◽  
pp. 295-299
Author(s):  
Marie-Hélène Grondin ◽  
John W. Hewitt ◽  
Marianne Lemoine-Goumard ◽  
Thierry Reposeur ◽  

AbstractThe supernova remnant (SNR) Puppis A (aka G260.4-3.4) is a middle-aged supernova remnant, which displays increasing X-ray surface brightness from West to East corresponding to an increasing density of the ambient interstellar medium at the Eastern and Northern shell. The dense IR photon field and the high ambient density around the remnant make it an ideal case to study in γ-rays. Gamma-ray studies based on three years of observations with the Large Area Telescope (LAT) aboard Fermi have revealed the high energy gamma-ray emission from SNR Puppis A. The γ-ray emission from the remnant is spatially extended, and nicely matches the radio and X-ray morphologies. Its γ-ray spectrum is well described by a simple power law with an index of ~2.1, and it is among the faintest supernova remnants yet detected at GeV energies. To constrain the relativistic electron population, seven years of Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) data were also analyzed, and enabled to extend the radio spectrum up to 93 GHz. The results obtained in the radio and γ-ray domains are described in detail, as well as the possible origins of the high energy γ-ray emission (Bremsstrahlung, Inverse Compton scattering by electrons or decay of neutral pions produced by proton interactions).


2020 ◽  
Vol 496 (2) ◽  
pp. 1295-1306
Author(s):  
Alicja Wierzcholska ◽  
Stefan J Wagner

ABSTRACT The X-ray spectrum of extreme high-energy peaked BL Lac-type blazars is located in the synchrotron branch of the broad-band spectral energy distribution (SED), at energies below the peak. A joint fit of the extrapolated X-ray spectra together with a host galaxy template allows characterizing the synchrotron branch in the SED. The X-ray spectrum is usually characterized either with a pure or a curved power-law model. In the latter case, however, it is hard to distinguish an intrinsic curvature from excess absorption. In this paper, we focus on five well-observed blazars: 1ES 0229+200, PKS 0548−322, RX J 1136+6737, 1ES 1741+196, and 1ES 2344+514. We constrain the infrared to X-ray emission of these five blazars using a model that is characterized by the host galaxy, spectral curvature, absorption, and ultraviolet (UV) excess to separate these spectral features. In the case of four sources, namely 1ES 0229+200, PKS 0548−322, 1ES 1741+196, and 1ES 2344+514, the spectral fit with the atomic neutral hydrogen from the Leiden Argentina Bonn Survey results in a significant UV excess present in the broad-band SED. Such excess can be interpreted as an additional component, for example, a blue bump. However, in order to describe spectra of these blazars without such excess, additional absorption to the atomic neutral hydrogen from the Leiden Argentina Bonn Survey is needed.


2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (S313) ◽  
pp. 225-230
Author(s):  
Giulia Migliori

AbstractWe present a multiwavelength study of the core and relativistic jet of the radio loud (RL) quasar RGB J1512+020A (z=0.20). We report the discovery of a bright, 13” extended X-ray jet with a short Chandra observation. We discuss the origin of the jet X-ray emission and its properties in comparison with sample of X-ray quasar jets. The broadband core spectrum is contributed by the emission of the central quasar, by a blazar component, responsible for the γ-ray emission detected by Fermi, and by the host galaxy. We model the non-thermal blazar spectral energy distribution (SED) and constrain the total jet power. The jet power inferred from the blazar SED modeling is in agreement with the values obtained from the total radio power, pointing to a jet that efficiently carries its power up to kiloparsec scales. The quasar emission appears intrinsically weak in the optical-UV band. The disk luminosity estimated from the broad emission lines is lower than the jet power, in agreement with recent results from observations and theory.


2019 ◽  
Vol 627 ◽  
pp. A72 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Ghisellini ◽  
M. Perri ◽  
L. Costamante ◽  
G. Tagliaferri ◽  
T. Sbarrato ◽  
...  

We observed three blazars at z >  2 with the NuSTAR satellite. These were detected in the γ-rays by Fermi/LAT and in the soft X-rays, but have not yet been observed above 10 keV. The flux and slope of their X-ray continuum, together with Fermi/LAT data allows us to estimate their total electromagnetic output and peak frequency. For some of them we were able to study the source in different states, and investigate the main cause of the different observed spectral energy distribution. We then collected all blazars at redshifts greater than 2 observed by NuSTAR, and confirm that these hard and luminous X-ray blazars are among the most powerful persistent sources in the Universe. We confirm the relation between the jet power and the disk luminosity, extending it at the high-energy end.


2019 ◽  
Vol 626 ◽  
pp. A85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellis R. Owen ◽  
Kinwah Wu ◽  
Xiangyu Jin ◽  
Pooja Surajbali ◽  
Noriko Kataoka

Quenching of star-formation has been identified in many starburst and post-starburst galaxies, indicating burst-like star-formation histories (SFH) in the primordial Universe. Galaxies undergoing violent episodes of star-formation are expected to be rich in high energy cosmic rays (CRs). We have investigated the role of these CRs in such environments, particularly how they could contribute to this burst-like SFH via quenching and feedback. These high energy particles interact with the baryon and radiation fields of their host via hadronic processes to produce secondary leptons. The secondary particles then also interact with ambient radiation fields to generate X-rays through inverse-Compton scattering. In addition, they can thermalise directly with the semi-ionised medium via Coulomb processes. Heating at a rate of ∼10−25 erg cm−3 s−1can be attained by Coulomb processes in a star-forming galaxy with one core-collapse SN event per decade, and this is sufficient to cause quenching of star-formation. At high-redshift, a substantial amount of CR secondary electron energy can be diverted into inverse-Compton X-ray emission. This yields an X-ray luminosity of above 1041 erg s−1by redshiftz = 7 which drives a further heating effect, operating over larger scales. This would be able to halt inflowing cold gas filaments, strangulating subsequent star-formation. We selected a sample of 16 starburst and post-starburst galaxies at 7 ≲ z ≲ 9 and determine the star-formation rates they could have sustained. We applied a model with CR injection, propagation and heating to calculate energy deposition rates in these 16 sources. Our calculations show that CR feedback cannot be neglected as it has the strength to suppress star-formation in these systems. We also show that their currently observed quiescence is consistent with the suffocation of cold inflows, probably by a combination of X-ray and CR heating.


2020 ◽  
Vol 497 (1) ◽  
pp. 988-1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
D M Worrall ◽  
M Birkinshaw ◽  
H L Marshall ◽  
D A Schwartz ◽  
A Siemiginowska ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Despite the fact that kpc-scale inverse-Compton (iC) scattering of cosmic microwave background (CMB) photons into the X-ray band is mandated, proof of detection in resolved quasar jets is often insecure. High redshift provides favourable conditions due to the increased energy density of the CMB, and it allows constraints to be placed on the radio synchrotron-emitting electron component at high energies that are otherwise inaccessible. We present new X-ray, optical, and radio results from Chandra, HST, and the VLA for the core and resolved jet in the z = 3.69 quasar PKS J1421−0643. The X-ray jet extends for about 4.5 arcsec (32 kpc projected length). The jet’s radio spectrum is abnormally steep and consistent with electrons being accelerated to a maximum Lorentz factor of about 5000. Results argue in favour of the detection of iC X-rays for modest magnetic field strength of a few nT, Doppler factor of about 4, and viewing angle of about 15°, and predict the jet to be largely invisible in most other spectral bands including the far- and mid-infrared and high-energy gamma-ray. The jet power is estimated to be about 3 × 1046 erg s−1 which is of order a tenth of the quasar bolometric power, for an electron–positron jet. The jet radiative power is only about 0.07 per cent of the jet power, with a smaller radiated power ratio if the jet contains heavy particles, so most of the jet power is available for heating the intergalactic medium.


2020 ◽  
Vol 637 ◽  
pp. A23 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Martí-Devesa ◽  
O. Reimer

Context.γ-ray binaries are systems composed of a massive star and a compact object whose interaction leads to particle acceleration up to relativistic energies. In the last fifteen years, a few binaries have been found to emit at high energies, but their number is still low. The TeV source HESS J1832−093 has been proposed as a binary candidate, although its nature is unclear. Neither a GeV counterpart nor a period was detected. Aims. The purpose of this work is to search for a GeV counterpart to understand the origin of the TeV signal detected by H.E.S.S. For an unambiguous identification of its binary nature, finding an orbital modulation is crucial. Methods. We analysed data spanning more than 10 years from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT), together with Swift archival observations taken between 2015 and 2018, using both the X-Ray Telescope and UV/Optical Telescope. We searched for periodicities in both X-ray and GeV bands. Results. We find a periodic modulation of ∼ 86 days in the X-ray source candidate counterpart XMMU J183245−0921539, together with indications of γ-ray modulation with a compatible period in the GeV candidate counterpart 4FGL J1832.9−0913. Neither an optical nor a UV counterpart is found at the X-ray source location. The overall spectral energy distribution strongly resembles the known γ-ray binary HESS J0632+057. Conclusions. Both the spectral energy distribution and the discovery of an orbital period allow the identification of the TeV source HESS J1832−093 as a new member of the γ-ray binary class.


2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (05) ◽  
pp. 781-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Z. XIE ◽  
S. X. DING ◽  
H. DAI ◽  
E. W. LIANG ◽  
H. T. LIU

In this paper, we introduce a new composite spectral indices αγxγ = αxγ - αγ, and prove [Formula: see text], that means αγxγ is intrinsic. We plot a αxox - αγxγ diagram for 25 Gev γ-ray blazars for which αx and αγ have been provided in the literature, where αxox = αox - αx which was introduced by Sambruna et al. (1996) and proved that it is intrinsic by our previous paper (Xie et al. 2001). Using this new composite color–color (αxox - αγxγ) diagram, we investigated the nature of the HBLs–LBLs relationship, and the BL Lacs–FSRQs relationship, in high-energy emission. The results show that the spectral energy distributions of three subclasses of Gev γ-ray loud blazars are different, but essentially continuous: HBLs and FSRQs occupy separated regions while LBLs bridge the gap between HBLs and FSRQs. The results are consistent with that derived from a low energy color–color(αxox - αoro) diagram by Sambruna et al. (1996) and Xie et al. (2001). However, on the αox - αxγ diagram, FSRQs, LBLs and HBLs occupy same region. Because both αγxγ and αxox are intrinsic, thus, the new connection among HBLs, LBLs and FSRQs obtained by us is intrinsic.


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