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| Paper: |
Insights on Jet Physics and High Energy Emission Processes from Optical Polarimetry |
| Volume: |
386, Extragalactic Jets: Theory and Observation from Radio to Gamma Ray |
| Page: |
147 |
| Authors: |
Perlman, E.S.; Padgett, C.A.; Georganopoulos, M.; Dulwich, F.; Worrall, D.M.; Birkinshaw, M.; Sparks, W.B.; Biretta, J.A.; O’Dea, C.P.; Baum, S.A.; Wilson, A.S. |
| Abstract: |
Because of its close relationship with the magnetic field in the emitting region, polarimetry can be a powerful tool in disentangling the physics of extragalactic jets. Polarimetry in multiple wavebands can prove particularly helpful, as it is possible that emission can originate in physically different regions. In such a case, multi-band polarimetry can prove a more reliable diagnostic of the physics and jet configuration than imaging or spectral index maps. HST has now observed nine jets polarimetrically, showing a rich variety of structure and polarized emission characteristics in the optical. The polarization images have been published in Perucho et al. (2006). Here we discuss the comparison between the optical and radio polarimetry, and its relationship to the X-ray emission, for three jets which illustrate the range of properties in the class. In each object, the optical polarization is related to the X-ray emission in different ways, and in each of them the relationship between the radio and optical polarimetry is different. While no single pattern is dominant, these observations reinforce the idea that the jets of radio galaxies are not homogeneous flows. |
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