High Frequency VLBI Rotation Measure of 8 AGN

TL;DR

This study presents high-frequency VLBI rotation measure maps of 8 AGN, revealing high core RM values, a steeper frequency dependence than expected, and evidence for helical magnetic fields near the jet bases.

Contribution

First high-frequency VLBI RM maps of 8 AGN, showing higher core RMs and a steeper frequency dependence, supporting the presence of helical magnetic fields in jets.

Findings

Core RM values are several thousand rad/m^2.

RM frequency dependence exponent is 3.6±1.3.

Detection of RM gradients in two sources.

Abstract

We have studied Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) polarimetric observations of 8 sources including quasars and BL Lacs at 12, 15, 22, 24 and 43 GHz and high frequency rotation measure ($RM$) maps are presented. We find typical values for the $RM$ in the VLBI core of several thousand rad/m$^2$, which are higher than values in the literature at lower frequencies. Assuming a dependence of the form $RM\propto \nu^a$, we obtain an average value of $a=3.6\pm1.3$, which is larger than that expected by theoretical considerations. Rotation measures are detected in the jet of only two sources and we find that only 0906+430 (and possibly 1633+382) show indications of a robust gradient. We discuss the Faraday--corrected polarization properties of the sources. Our interpretation supports the presence of helical magnetic fields with new, unresolved, components affecting the intrinsic direction of polarization close to the base of the jet of some objects.