Physics of compact radio sources. I - Particle acceleration and flux variations

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (25) References (5) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Physics of compact radio sources. I. Particle acceleration and flux variations. Pacholczyk, A. G. ; Scott, J. S. Abstract The observed patterns of variability of compact radio sources may be explained by assuming that the radio components are plasmons containing relativistic particles, and by applying a model with the following features: (1) the plasmons are ejected at high speed into the interstellar medium in the nuclei of active galaxies; (2) ram pressure confinement of the plasmons leads to Rayleigh-Taylor and Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities therein; (3) turbulence is thereby introduced into the plasmons; (4) the turbulence amplifies the plasmon magnetic field (for a short period) and this leads to betatron acceleration of the relativistic particles; (5) the turbulence vortices continue to accelerate the particles by the second-order Fermi acceleration mechanism. The emission patterns are the result of the combination of these accelerations and adiabatic losses. Subject headings: radio sources: general - synchrotron radiation Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: December 1976 DOI: 10.1086/154833 Bibcode: 1976ApJ...210..311P Keywords: Particle Acceleration; Plasmons; Radiant Flux Density; Radio Sources (Astronomy); Synchrotron Radiation; Galactic Nuclei; Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability; Radio Emission; Relativistic Particles; Variable Stars; Astrophysics full text sources ADS |