Investigating Active Galactic Nuclei variability with the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory

TL;DR

This paper discusses how the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory will enable detailed studies of blazar variability at very-high-energy gamma rays, revealing new insights into particle acceleration and jet physics.

Contribution

It introduces the potential of CTAO to perform precise PSD analysis of blazar flares, a capability not possible with current instruments, advancing AGN variability research.

Findings

Enhanced sensitivity of CTAO enables detailed PSD studies.

Potential to uncover gamma-ray PSD breaks linked to black hole properties.

Improved understanding of jet physics and particle acceleration mechanisms.

Abstract

Blazars, a type of active galactic nuclei (AGN) with relativistic jets pointed at the observer, exhibit flux variability across the electromagnetic spectrum due to particle acceleration in their jets. Power spectral density (PSD) studies show breaks at specific frequencies, particularly in X-rays, linked to the accretion regime and black hole mass. However, very-high-energy gamma-ray PSD breaks remain unexplored due to current instrument limitations. The Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO), with up to ten times greater sensitivity compared to current generation instruments, will allow precise PSD reconstruction and unprecedented study of blazar flares. These flares reveal key insights into particle acceleration, photon production, and jet properties. The AGN monitoring and flare programs in CTAO's Key Science Project aim to deepen our understanding of blazar emissions.