The Need For High Resolution In Studies Of The 3-D Magnetic Field Structure Of AGN Jets

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dc.creatorO'Sullivan, Shane P.
dc.creatorGabuzda, Denise C.
dc.date2008-01-31
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-07T08:57:31Z
dc.date.available2026-07-07T08:57:31Z
dc.descriptionWe are using "broadband" (4.6 to 43 GHz) multi-frequency VLBA polarization observations of compact AGN to investigate the 3-D structure of their jet magnetic (B) fields. Observing at several frequencies, separated by short and long intervals, enables reliable determination of the distribution of Faraday Rotation, and thereby the intrinsic B field structure. Transverse Rotation Measure (RM) gradients were detected in the jets of 0954+658 and 1418+546, providing evidence for the presence of a helical B field surrounding the jet. The RM in the core regions of 2200+420 (BL Lac), 0954+658 and 1418+546 display different signs in different frequency-intervals (on different spatial scales); we suggest an explanation for this in terms of modest bends in a helical B field surrounding their jets. In future, polarization observations with a combination of VSOP-2 at 8, 22 and 43 GHz and ground arrays at frequencies with corresponding resolution will help map out the distributions of Faraday rotation, spectral index and the 3-D B field structure both across the jet and closer to the central engine, providing strong constraints for any jet B field models.
dc.description4 pages, 1 figure for the proceedings of 'Approaching Micro-Arcsecond Resolution with VSOP-2: Astrophysics and Technology' (3-7 December 2007, ISAS/JAXA, Sagamihara, Japan)
dc.identifierhttps://arxiv.org/abs/0801.4897
dc.identifierhttp://arxiv.org/abs/0801.4897
dc.identifier.urihttp://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/146998
dc.subjectAstrophysics
dc.titleThe Need For High Resolution In Studies Of The 3-D Magnetic Field Structure Of AGN Jets
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