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Polarization Signatures in Blazar Emission

Zhang, Haocheng
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1444237508

Abstract Details

2015, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Physics and Astronomy (Arts and Sciences).
Blazars are one kind of radio-loud Active Galactic Nuclei whose jets are directed close to our line of sight. They have characteristic two-hump shaped spectral-energy-distributions, strong variability across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, and high polarization degrees with variations from radio to optical. This dissertation presents a detailed study on the polarization signatures in blazar emission. At high energies (X-ray to γ-ray), we present theoretical estimates for the maximal polarization degrees resulting from both the leptonic and hadronic models, in which we find that the polarization signatures can serve as a powerful diagnostic between the two models. At low energies (radio to optical), we present a general parameter study on the time- and frequency-dependent polarization signatures along with the multiwavelength spectra and variability. Based on our results, we present the first simultaneous fittings of the snap-shot spectral-energy-distributions, multiwavelength light curves and time-dependent polarization signatures in one coherent model of a prominent blazar flaring event that is accompanied by a drastic change in the polarization signatures. This unprecedented fitting combination provides crucial information about the inner-jet magnetic field topology, particle acceleration and radiation mechanisms giving rise to the observed blazar emission.
Markus Boettcher (Advisor)
113 p.
Astrophysics
AGN; Blazar; Nonthermal Emission; Polarization

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Zhang, H. (2015). Polarization Signatures in Blazar Emission [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1444237508

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Zhang, Haocheng. Polarization Signatures in Blazar Emission. 2015. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1444237508.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Zhang, Haocheng. "Polarization Signatures in Blazar Emission." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1444237508

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1444237508
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© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.
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