Information on particles and fields from parsec and sub-parsec scale jets

Conference item

With particular reference to the BL Lac object, Markarian 501, we emphasize the importance of X-ray and gamma-ray observations for elucidating the parameters of parsec scale and sub-parsec.scale jets. In particular the magnetic field, particle energy density and Doppler factor can be inferred from simultaneous observations. The energy flux in the Mkn 501 jet is particle dominated. If the composition is electron-proton then the minimum electron Lorentz factor, gamma(1) similar to 100. Consideration of a sample of quasar and BL Lac jets, shows that these jets may consist of electron-positron pairs, also if gamma(1) similar to 100. Seyfert jets may be examples of jets in which the plasma composition is predominantly electron-proton, suggesting that they originate at larger radii (with respect to the gravitational radius) than jets in radio-loud galaxies.

Authors: Bicknell, G; Wagner, S; Groves, B

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: PARTICLES AND FIELDS IN RADIO GALAXIES
• Volume: 250
• Pages: 80-92
• Publication date: 2002-01-01
• Event title: Oxford Radio Galaxy Workshop
• ISBN: 1583810900
• Keywords: RADIO JETS; MKN-501