scholarly journals PARSEC-SCALE INVESTIGATION OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD STRUCTURE OF SEVERAL AGN JETS

2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (09) ◽  
pp. 1553-1560 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. P. O'SULLIVAN ◽  
D. C. GABUZDA
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Faraday Rotation ◽  
Reliable Determination ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Central Engine ◽  
Relativistic Jet ◽  
Rotation Measure ◽  
Transverse Rotation ◽  
Helical Magnetic Field ◽  
The Magnetic Field

Multi-frequency (4.6, 5, 5.5, 8, 8.8, 13, 15, 22 & 43 GHz) polarization observations of six "blazars" were obtained on the American Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) over a 24-hr period on 2 July 2006. Observing at several frequencies, separated by short and long intervals, enabled reliable determination of the distribution of Faraday rotation on a range of scales. In all cases the magnitude of the RM increases in the higher frequency observations, implying that the electron density and/or magnetic field strength is increasing as we get closer to the central engine. After correcting for Faraday rotation, the polarization orientation in the jet is either parallel or perpendicular to the jet direction. A transverse rotation measure (RM) gradient was detected in the jet of 0954+658, providing evidence for the presence of a helical magnetic field surrounding the jet. For three of the sources (0954+658, 1418+546, 2200+420), the sign of the RM in the core region changes in different frequency-intervals, indicating that the line-of-sight component of the magnetic field is changing with distance from the base of the jet. We suggest an explanation for this in terms of bends in a relativistic jet surrounded by a helical magnetic field; where there is no clear evidence for pc-scale bends, the same effect can be explained by an accelerating/decelerating jet.

STATIONARY SHEATH OF FARADAY ROTATION IN THE JET OF 3C 120

2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (06) ◽  
pp. 917-922
Author(s):  
JOSÉ L. GÓMEZ ◽  
MAR ROCA-SOGORB ◽  
IVÁN AGUDO ◽  
ALAN P. MARSCHER ◽  
SVETLANA G. JORSTAD
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Faraday Rotation ◽  
Radio Galaxy ◽  
External Medium ◽  
Degree Of Polarization ◽  
Polarization Structure ◽  
Rotation Measure ◽  
Helical Magnetic Field ◽  
3C 120 ◽  
Two Fluid

We present a sequence of 12 monthly polarimetric multi-frequency VLBA observations of the radio galaxy 3C 120. The motion of multiple superluminal components allows the mapping of the polarization structure along most of the jet and across its width, revealing a coherent in time Faraday screen and RM-corrected polarization angles. Gradients in Faraday rotation and degree of polarization across the jet are observed, together with a localized region of high rotation measure superposed on this structure. This is explained as produced by the presence of a helical magnetic field in a two-fluid jet model, consisting of an inner emitting jet and a sheath containing nonrelativistic electrons. Interaction of the jet with the external medium would explain the confined region of enhanced Faraday rotation.

Probing the B-fields of AGN jets on kiloparsec scales - NGC 6251

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (S342) ◽  
pp. 244-245
Author(s):  
Sebastian Knuettel ◽  
Denise Gabuzda
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Faraday Rotation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Outward Current ◽  
Electrical Current ◽  
Line Of Sight ◽  
Astrophysical Jets ◽  
Rotation Measure ◽  
Jet Structure ◽  
Helical Magnetic Field

AbstractBy constructing images of the Faraday rotation measure (RM) of large scale astrophysical jets, the line-of-sight magnetic field component and electron density in the region of Farady rotation can be investigated. A significant gradient in the RM transverse to the jet direction may indicate a corresponding gradient in the line-of-sight magnetic field, implying a toroidal or helical magnetic field, which would, in turn, imply the presence of an associated electrical current in the jet. The detection of such large scale gradients can reliably demonstrate that helical or toroidal fields can persist to large distances from the central AGN. We present a kiloparsec-scale Faraday rotation map of NGC 6251 that shows statistically significant transverse RM gradients across its kiloparsec scale jet structure that imply an outward current.

scholarly journals Fluctuation dynamos and their Faraday rotation signatures

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (H16) ◽  
pp. 400-400
Author(s):  
Pallavi Bhat ◽  
Kandaswamy Subramanian
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Simple Model ◽  
Faraday Rotation ◽  
High Field ◽  
Line Of Sight ◽  
Simulation Data ◽  
Thermal Electron ◽  
Volume Filling ◽  
Rotation Measure ◽  
The Magnetic Field

We study fluctuation dynamo (FD) action in turbulent systems like galaxy-clusters focusing on the Faraday rotation signature. This is defined as RM = K ∫LneB ⋅ dl where ne is the thermal electron density, B is the magnetic field, the integration is along the line of sight from the source to the observer, and K = 0.81 rad m−2 cm−3 μG−1 pc−1. We directly compute, using the simulation data, ∫ B ⋅ dl, and hence the Faraday rotation measure (RM) over 3N2 lines of sight, along each x, y and z-directions. We normalise the RM by the rms value expected in a simple model, where a field of strength Brms fills each turbulent cell but is randomly oriented from one turbulent cell to another. This normalised RM is expected to have a nearly zero mean but a non-zero dispersion, σRM. We show in Fig. 1a and 1b, that a suite of simulations, on saturation, obtain the value of σRM = 0.4−0.5, and this is independent of PM, RM and the resolution of the run. This is a fairly large value for an intermittent random field; as it is of order 40%–50%, of that expected in a model where Brms strength fields volume fill each turbulent cell, but are randomly oriented from one cell to another. We also find that the regions with a field strength larger than 2Brms contribute only 15–20% to the total RM (see Fig. 1a). This shows that it is the general ‘sea’ of volume filling fluctuating fields that contribute dominantly to the RM produced, rather than the the high field regions.

scholarly journals The jets of AGN as giant coaxial cables

2018 ◽  
Vol 612 ◽  
pp. A67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise C. Gabuzda ◽  
Matt Nagle ◽  
Naomi Roche
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Faraday Rotation ◽  
Toroidal Magnetic Field ◽  
Systematic Change ◽  
Physical Mechanisms ◽  
Preferred Direction ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Rotation Measure ◽  
Very Long Baseline Array

Context. The currents carried by the jets of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) can be probed using maps of the Faraday rotation measure (RM), since a jet current will be accompanied by a toroidal magnetic field, which will give rise to a systematic change in the RM across the jet. Aims. The aim of this study is to identify new AGNs displaying statistically significant transverse RM gradients across their parsec-scale jets, in order to determine how often helical magnetic fields occur in AGN jets, and to look for overall patterns in the implied directions for the toroidal field components and jet currents. Methods. We have carried out new analyses of Faraday RM maps derived from previously published 8.1, 8.4, 12.1 and 15.3 GHz data obtained in 2006 on the NRAO Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). In a number of key ways, our procedures were identical to those of the original authors, but the new imaging and analysis differs from the original methods in several ways: the technique used to match the resolutions at the different frequencies, limits on the widths spanned by the RM gradients analyzed, treatment of core-region RM gradients, approach to estimation of the significances of the gradients analyzed, and inclusion of a supplementary analysis using circular beams with areas equal to those of the corresponding elliptical naturally weighted beams. Results. This new analysis has substantially increased the number of AGNs known to display transverse RM gradients that may reflect the presence of a toroidal magnetic-field component. The collected data on parsec and kiloparsec scales indicate that the current typically flows inward along the jet axis and outward in a more extended region surrounding the jet, typical to the current structure of a co-axial cable, accompanied by a self-consistent system of nested helical magnetic fields, whose toroidal components give rise to the observed transverse Faraday rotation gradients. Conclusions. The new results presented here make it possible for the first time to conclusively demonstrate the existence of a preferred direction for the toroidal magnetic-field components – and therefore of the currents – of AGN jets. Discerning the origin of this current-field system is of cardinal importance for understanding the physical mechanisms leading to the formation of the intrinsic jet magnetic field, which likely plays an important role in the propagation and collimation of the jets; one possibility is the action of a “cosmic battery”.

scholarly journals HELICAL MAGNETIC FIELDS IN RELATIVISTIC JETS THROUGH FARADAY ROTATION AND JET STRATIFICATION STUDIES

2012 ◽  
Vol 08 ◽  
pp. 265-270
Author(s):  
JOSÉ L. GÓMEZ ◽  
CAROLINA CASADIO ◽  
MAR ROCA-SOGORB ◽  
IVÁN AGUDO ◽  
ALAN P. MARSCHER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Faraday Rotation ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Relativistic Jets ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Rotation Measure ◽  
Very Long Baseline Array ◽  
Helical Magnetic Field ◽  
3C 120 ◽  
Emission Stratification

Helical magnetic fields may play an important role in the formation, collimation, and acceleration of relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei. These may be searched for by looking for Faraday rotation measure (RM) gradients and emission stratification across the jet width. Multi-epoch polarimetric Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) observations of the radio galaxy 3C 120 have revealed the existence of such a RM gradient across the jet, but the presence of a localized region of enhanced RM and uncorrelated changes in the polarization of the underlying jet emission and the Faraday rotation screen suggest that a significant fraction of the RM found in 3C 120 originates in foreground clouds. Thanks to the combination of 48 images spanning 14 years of 15 GHz VLBA observations of 3C 273 we have found a stratification in total intensity across the jet that flips sides with distance along the jet, supporting a model in which the jet of 3C 273 accelerates and is threaded by a helical magnetic field.

scholarly journals AGN dusty plasma polarization features

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (S313) ◽  
pp. 352-357
Author(s):  
Ericson D. Lopez ◽  
Susana Deustua
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Electromagnetic Radiation ◽  
Faraday Rotation ◽  
Significant Contribution ◽  
Theoretical Study ◽  
Outer Region ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Rotation Measure ◽  
Electrons And Ions ◽  
The Magnetic Field

AbstractWe present the results of a theoretical study on the influence of dust particles on the polarization properties of the radiation that propagates along the jet in AGNs. First, a model for describing the interaction of dust particles, in addition to the electrons and ions, with electromagnetic radiation in a magneto-active plasma has been developed. From here, the contribution of dust particles to the Faraday rotation of the plane of polarization of the electric vector can be deduced. This model is evaluated for the outer region of the jet where the presence of dust particles are assumed, the magnetic field is weak and the electron density is low. Our results show that the dust particles give a significant contribution to the linear Faraday rotation measure.

scholarly journals Synthetic observations of spiral arm tracers of a simulated Milky Way analog

2020 ◽  
Vol 642 ◽  
pp. A201 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Reissl ◽  
J. M. Stil ◽  
E. Chen ◽  
R. G. Treß ◽  
M. C. Sormani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Interstellar Medium ◽  
Faraday Rotation ◽  
Milky Way ◽  
Line Of Sight ◽  
Unit Distance ◽  
Spiral Arms ◽  
Rotation Measure ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Spiral Arm

Context. The Faraday rotation measure (RM) is often used to study the magnetic field strength and orientation within the ionized medium of the Milky Way. Recent observations indicate an RM magnitude in the spiral arms that exceeds the commonly assumed range. This raises the question of how and under what conditions spiral arms create such strong Faraday rotation. Aims. We investigate the effect of spiral arms on Galactic Faraday rotation through shock compression of the interstellar medium. It has recently been suggested that the Sagittarius spiral arm creates a strong peak in Faraday rotation where the line of sight is tangent to the arm, and that enhanced Faraday rotation follows along side lines which intersect the arm. Here our aim is to understand the physical conditions that may give rise to this effect and the role of viewing geometry. Methods. We apply a magnetohydrodynamic simulation of the multi-phase interstellar medium in a Milky Way-type spiral galaxy disk in combination with radiative transfer in order to evaluate different tracers of spiral arm structures. For observers embedded in the disk, dust intensity, synchrotron emission, and the kinematics of molecular gas observations are derived to identify which spiral arm tangents are observable. Faraday rotation measures are calculated through the disk and evaluated in the context of different observer positions. The observer’s perspectives are related to the parameters of the local bubbles surrounding the observer and their contribution to the total Faraday rotation measure along the line of sight. Results. We reproduce a scattering of tangent points for the different tracers of about 6° per spiral arm similar to the Milky Way. For the RM, the model shows that compression of the interstellar medium and associated amplification of the magnetic field in spiral arms enhances Faraday rotation by a few hundred rad m−2 in addition to the mean contribution of the disk. The arm–interarm contrast in Faraday rotation per unit distance along the line of sight is approximately ~10 in the inner Galaxy, fading to ~2 in the outer Galaxy in tandem with the waning contrast of other tracers of spiral arms. We identify a shark fin pattern in the RM Milky Way observations and in the synthetic data that is characteristic for a galaxy with spiral arms.

scholarly journals Magnetic fields in star-forming systems – II: Examining dust polarization, the Zeeman effect, and the Faraday rotation measure as magnetic field tracers

2020 ◽  
Vol 500 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-176
Author(s):  
Stefan Reissl ◽  
Amelia M Stutz ◽  
Ralf S Klessen ◽  
Daniel Seifried ◽  
Stefanie Walch
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Faraday Rotation ◽  
Zeeman Effect ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Line Of Sight ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Magnetic Field Direction ◽  
Rotation Measure ◽  
The Magnetic Field

ABSTRACT The degree to which the formation and evolution of clouds and filaments in the interstellar medium is regulated by magnetic fields remains an open question. Yet the fundamental properties of the fields (strength and 3D morphology) are not readily observable. We investigate the potential for recovering magnetic field information from dust polarization, the Zeeman effect, and the Faraday rotation measure (RM) in a SILCC-Zoom magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) filament simulation. The object is analysed at the onset of star formation and it is characterized by a line-mass of about $\mathrm{\left(M/L\right) \sim 63\ \mathrm{M}_{\odot }\ pc^{-1}}$ out to a radius of $1\,$ pc and a kinked 3D magnetic field morphology. We generate synthetic observations via polaris radiative transfer (RT) post-processing and compare with an analytical model of helical or kinked field morphology to help interpreting the inferred observational signatures. We show that the tracer signals originate close to the filament spine. We find regions along the filament where the angular dependence with the line of sight (LOS) is the dominant factor and dust polarization may trace the underlying kinked magnetic field morphology. We also find that reversals in the recovered magnetic field direction are not unambiguously associated to any particular morphology. Other physical parameters, such as density or temperature, are relevant and sometimes dominant compared to the magnetic field structure in modulating the observed signal. We demonstrate that the Zeeman effect and the RM recover the line-of-sight magnetic field strength to within a factor 2.1–3.4. We conclude that the magnetic field morphology may not be unambiguously determined in low-mass systems by observations of dust polarization, Zeeman effect, or RM, whereas the field strengths can be reliably recovered.

scholarly journals PROBING HELICAL MAGNETIC FIELDS IN AGN BY ROTATION MEASURE GRADIENTS STUDIES

2012 ◽  
Vol 08 ◽  
pp. 303-306
Author(s):  
JUAN C. ALGABA
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Field Strength ◽  
Pitch Angle ◽  
Line Of Sight ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Rotation Measure ◽  
Very Long Baseline Array ◽  
Bl Lacs ◽  
The Magnetic Field

One of the tools that can provide evidence about the existence of helical magnetic fields in AGN is the observation of rotation measure gradients across the jet. Such observations have been previously made successfully, proving that such gradients are far from being rare, but common and typically persistent over several years, although some of them may show a reversal in the direction along the jet. Further studies of rotation measure gradients can help us in our understanding of the magnetic field properties and structure in the base of the jets. We studied Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) polarimetric observations of 8 sources consistent of some quasars and BL Lacs at 12, 15, 22, 24 and 43 GHz and we find that all but two sources show indications of rotation measure gradients, either parallel or perpendicular to the jet. We interpret gradients perpendicular to the jet as indications of the change of the line of sight of the magnetic field due to its helicity, and gradients parallel to the jet as the decrease of magnetic field strength and/or electron density as we move along the jet. When comparing our results with the literature, we find temptative evidence of a rotation measure gradient flip, which can be explained as a change of the pitch angle or jet bending.

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