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| Paper: |
Rapid Variability of BL Lacs and Time Lags; What can we learn |
| Volume: |
159, BL Lac Phenomenon |
| Page: |
335 |
| Authors: |
Chiaberge, Marco; Ghisellini, Gabriele |
| Abstract: |
Blazars are characterized by large amplitude and fast variability, indicating that the electron distribution is rapidly changing, often on timescales shorter than the light crossing time. We study the time dependent behaviour of the electron distribution after episodic electron injection phases, and calculate the observed synchrotron and self Compton radiation spectra. Since photons produced in different part of the source have different travel times, the observed spectrum is produced by the electron distribution at different stages of evolution. Even a homogeneous source then resembles an inhomogeneous one. Time delays between the light curves of fluxes at different frequencies are possible, as illustrated for the specific case of the BL Lac object Mkn 421. |
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