Multiband Comparative Study of Optical Microvariability in RL vs. RQ Quasars

TL;DR

This study compares optical microvariability in radio-loud and radio-quiet quasars, finding similar frequencies of microvariability and analyzing their properties across multiple bands to understand their origins.

Contribution

First multi-band optical monitoring of a balanced sample of RL and RQ quasars, revealing comparable microvariability frequencies and providing insights into their potential origins.

Findings

Microvariability detected in 5 RQQs and 4 CRLQs.

Microvariability occurrence is similar in RQQs and CRLQs.

Duty cycles vary across different optical bands.

Abstract

We present the results of an optical multi-band (BVR) photometric monitoring program of 22 core-dominated radio-loud quasars (CRLQs) and 22 radio-quiet quasars (RQQs). The aim was to compare the properties of microvariability in both types of quasars. We detected optical microvariability in 5 RQQs and 4 CRLQs. Our results confirm that microvariability in RQQs may be as frequent as in CRLQs. In addition we compare microvariability duty cycles in different bands. Finally, the implications for the origin of the microvariations are briefly discussed.