MOJAVE XVI: Multi-Epoch Linear Polarization Properties of Parsec-Scale AGN Jet Cores

TL;DR

This study analyzes multi-epoch polarization data of 387 AGN jets at 15 GHz, revealing correlations between polarization properties, jet alignment, and AGN types, supporting models of jet magnetic field structure.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of polarization variability and jet alignment across a large AGN sample, expanding understanding of jet magnetic field configurations.

Findings

BL Lac objects have EVPAs aligned with jet direction and are less variable.

Core polarization correlates with EVPA alignment and stability.

Gamma-ray detected AGN show higher EVPA variability, but no polarization fraction difference.

Abstract

We present an analysis of the core linear polarization properties of 387 parsec-scale active galactic nuclei (AGN) jets. Using 15 GHz VLBA data, we revisit the conclusions of the first paper in this series with multi-epoch measurements and more detailed analysis of a larger AGN sample which spans a broader range of synchrotron peak frequencies. Each AGN has been observed for at least five epochs between 1996 and 2017. We find that BL Lac objects have core electric vector position angles (EVPAs) which tend towards alignment with the local jet direction; compared to flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs), their EVPAs are also less variable over time. The AGN cores which are most fractionally polarized and least variable in polarization have EVPAs that are closely aligned with the local jet direction; they also have low variability in EVPA. These results support the popular model of a standing transverse shock at the base of the jet which collimates the jet magnetic field perpendicular to the jet direction, increasing the fractional polarization and leading to greater polarization stability over time. High-synchrotron-peaked (HSP) BL Lac objects form a low luminosity, low fractional polarization population. The five narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies in our sample have low fractional polarization and large EVPA-jet misalignments. Although AGN detected at gamma-rays are thought to be more Doppler boosted than non-detected AGN, we find no significant differences in fractional polarization based on detection by Fermi-LAT; the gamma-loud AGN are, however, more variable in core EVPAs.