Characteristics of Gamma-ray loud blazars in the VLBA Imaging and Polarimetry Survey
Astrophysical Journal 726:1 (2011)
Abstract:
The radio properties of blazars detected by the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope have been observed as part of the VLBA Imaging and Polarimetry Survey. This large, flux-limited sample of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) provides insights into the mechanism that produces strong γ-ray emission. At lower flux levels, radio flux density does not directly correlate with γ-ray flux. We find that the LAT-detected BL Lac objects tend to be similar to the non-LAT BL Lac objects, but that the LAT-detected FSRQs are often significantly different from the non-LAT FSRQs. The differences between the γ-ray loud and quiet FSRQs can be explained by Doppler boosting; these objects appear to require larger Doppler factors than those of the BL Lac objects. It is possible that the γ-ray loud FSRQs are fundamentally different from the γ-ray quiet FSRQs. Strong polarization at the base of the jet appears to be a signature for γ-ray loud AGNs. © 2011. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved. Printedin the U.S.A.Design concepts for the Cherenkov Telescope Array CTA: An advanced facility for ground-based high-energy gamma-ray astronomy
Experimental Astronomy 32:3 (2011) 193-316
Abstract:
Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has had a major breakthrough with the impressive results obtained using systems of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has a huge potential in astrophysics, particle physics and cosmology. CTA is an international initiative to build the next generation instrument, with a factor of 5-10 improvement in sensitivity in the 100 GeV-10 TeV range and the extension to energies well below 100 GeV and above 100 TeV. CTA will consist of two arrays (one in the north, one in the south) for full sky coverage and will be operated as open observatory. The design of CTA is based on currently available technology. This document reports on the status and presents the major design concepts of CTA. © 2011 The Author(s).Characteristics of Gamma-ray loud blazars in the VLBA Imaging and Polarimetry Survey
Astrophysical Journal 726:1 (2011)
The Balmer-dominated bow shock and wind nebula structure of γ-ray pulsar PSR J1741-2054
Astrophysical Journal 724:2 (2010) 908-914
Abstract:
We have detected an Hα bow shock nebula around PSR J1741-2054, a pulsar discovered through its GeV γ-ray pulsations. The pulsar is only ∼1'.5 behind the leading edge of the shock. Optical spectroscopy shows that the nebula is non-radiative, dominated by Balmer emission. The Hα images and spectra suggest that the pulsar wind momentum is equatorially concentrated and implies a pulsar space velocity ≈150kms-1, directed 15° ± 10° out of the plane of the sky. The complex Hα profile indicates that different portions of the post-shock flow dominate line emission as gas moves along the nebula and provide an opportunity to study the structure of this unusual slow non-radiative shock under a variety of conditions. CXO ACIS observations reveal an X-ray pulsar wind nebula within this nebula, with a compact ∼2.5 equatorial structure and a trail extending several arcminutes behind. Together these data support a close (≤0.5 kpc) distance, a spin geometry viewed edge-on, and highly efficient γ-ray production for this unusual, energetic pulsar. © 2010. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.The extraordinary radio galaxy MRC B1221-423: Probing deeper at radio and optical wavelengths
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 407:2 (2010) 721-733