Powering AGNs with super-critical black holes

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new model where super-critical black hole collapse powers AGN jets through relativistic ejections and magnetic collimation, explaining observed radio emissions and jet sizes.

Contribution

It presents a novel mechanism involving super-critical black hole collapse and magnetic fields to account for AGN jet properties, linking it to gamma-ray bursts and supernovae.

Findings

Relativistic collapse triggers gravitational shocks ejecting matter at high speeds.

Magnetic fields collimate plasma into jets consistent with observed AGN features.

Electrons produce synchrotron radiation matching AGN radio luminosities and durations.

Abstract

We propose a novel mechanism for powering the central engines of Active Galactic Nuclei through super-critical (type II) black hole collapse. In this picture, ~$10^3 M_\odot$ of material collapsing at relativistic speeds can trigger a gravitational shock, which can eject a large percentage of the collapsing matter at relativistic speeds, leaving behind a "light" black hole. In the presence of a poloidal magnetic field, the plasma collimates along two jets, and the associated electron synchrotron radiation can easily account for the observed radio luminosities, sizes and durations of AGN jets. For Lorentz factors of order 100 and magnetic fields of a few hundred $\mu G$, synchrotron electrons can shine for $10^6$ yrs, producing jets of sizes of order 100 kpc. This mechanism may also be relevant for Gamma Ray Bursts and, in the absence of magnetic field, supernova explosions.