Analysing the Transverse Structure of the Relativistic Jets of AGN

TL;DR

This paper presents a method for fitting VLBI polarization profiles of AGN jets to a theoretical model, successfully reproducing polarization structures and estimating jet parameters, advancing understanding of magnetic field configurations in relativistic jets.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel fitting technique for polarization profiles in VLBI images, demonstrating its effectiveness on the jet of Mrk501 and providing insights into jet magnetic fields and geometry.

Findings

Model reproduces polarization profiles within uncertainties.

Fitting results consistent across different wavelengths and distances.

Estimated jet viewing angle and velocity suggest high relativistic speeds.

Abstract

This paper describes a method of fitting total intensity and polarization profiles in VLBI images of astrophysical jets to profiles predicted by a theoretical model. As an example, the method is used to fit profiles of the jet in the Active Galactic Nucleus Mrk501 with profiles predicted by a model in which a cylindrical jet of synchrotron plasma is threaded by a magnetic field with helical and disordered components. This fitting yields model Stokes Q profiles that agree with the observed profiles to within the 1-2 \sigma uncertainties; the I model and observed profiles are overall not in such good agreement, with the model I profiles being generally more symmetrical than the observed profiles. Consistent fitting results are obtained for profiles derived from 6cm VLBI images at two distances from the core, and also for profiles obtained for different wavelengths at a single location in the VLBI jet. The most striking success of the model is its ability to reproduce the spine-sheath polarization structure observed across the jet. Using the derived viewing angle in the jet rest frame, \delta' approximately 83 degrees, together with a superluminal speed reported in the literature, \beta apparent = 3.3, yields a solution for the viewing angle and velocity of the jet in the observer's frame \delta degrees and \beta approximately 0.96. Although these results for Mrk501 must be considered tentative, the combined analysis of polarization profiles and apparent component speeds holds promise as a means of further elucidating the magnetic field structures and other parameters of parsec-scale AGN jets.