Microlensing of the X-ray, UV and optical emission regions of quasars: Simulations of the time-scales and amplitude variations of microlensing events

TL;DR

This paper models how microlensing affects X-ray, UV, and optical emissions from quasars, predicting shorter microlensing durations in X-rays which can help identify causes of flux anomalies.

Contribution

It provides simulations estimating microlensing time-scales and amplitude variations across different spectral bands of lensed quasars, highlighting the importance of X-ray monitoring.

Findings

X-ray microlensing lasts several months

UV/optical microlensing lasts several years

Monitoring X-ray variations can clarify flux anomalies

Abstract

We consider the influence of microlensing on different spectral bands of lensed QSOs. We assumed that the emitting X-ray, UV and optical regions are different in size, but that the continuum emission in these spectral bands is originating from an accretion disc. Estimations of the time scales for microlensing and flux amplification in different bands are given. We found that the microlensing duration should be shorter in the X-ray (several months) than in UV/optical emitting region (several years). This result indicates that monitoring of the X-ray variations in lensed QSOs that show a 'flux anomaly' can clarify the source of this anomaly.