Spin Tetrad Formalism Of Circular Polarization States In Relativistic Jets

TL;DR

This paper introduces a spin tetrad formalism to describe circular polarization states in relativistic jets from AGN, linking polarization to angular momentum flux and jet formation mechanisms.

Contribution

It develops a novel spin tetrad approach using Kerr spacetime to analyze circular polarization in relativistic jets, aiding understanding of jet dynamics.

Findings

Formulation of polarization states via spin tetrad in Kerr spacetime

Connection between polarization and angular momentum flux in jets

Discussion on observational strategies for jet formation studies

Abstract

Relativistic jets from active galactic nuclei (AGN) have been of peak interest in the high-energy astrophysics community for their uniquely dynamic nature and incredible radiative power; emanating from supermassive black holes and similarly accreting compact dense objects. An overall consensus on relativistic jet formation states that accelerated outflow at high Lorentz factors are generated by a complex relationship between the accretion disk of the system and the frame-dragging effects of the rotating massive central object. This paper will provide a basis for which circular polarization states, defined using a spin tetrad formalism, contribute to a description for the angular momentum flux in the jet emanating from the central engine. A representation of the Kerr spacetime with positive cosmological constant background is used in formulating the spin tetrad forms. A discussion on unresolved problems in jet formation and how we can use multi-method observations with polarimetry of AGN to direct future theoretical descriptions will also be given.