Abstract
The general behavior of flat-spectrum (compact) radio sources is examined in terms of adiabatic-jet models. Two puzzling properties-namely, (1) the broad, rather flat spectrum (over a large range of radio frequencies) and (2) the relatively slow decay of burst amplitude (with decreasing radio frequency)-are explained. Acceptable models are characterized by the following: (1) a nearly conical, adiabatic jet, with conserved magnetic flux transverse to the axis of the jet; (2) prolonged injection (for which the duration of an event exceeds the apparent transit time scale); and (3) a transparent spectral index which is not too steep (0.2 <= α = -[d ln S/d ln ν] <= 0.8). It is suggested that the acceleration mechanism in the core of compact jets may differ substantially from that far from the core, producing a flatter electron number index 1.4 <= s <= 2.6.
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