Multi-frequency Observations Research Articles

Exploring the Variability of the Flat Spectrum Radio Source 1633+382. I. Phenomenology of the Light Curves

Abstract We present multi-frequency simultaneous VLBI radio observations of the flat spectrum radio quasar 1633+382 (4C 38.41) as part of the interferometric monitoring of γ-ray-bright active galactic nuclei (iMOGABA) program combined with additional observations in the radio, optical, X-rays, and γ-rays carried out during the period 2012 March–2015 August. The monitoring of this source reveals a significant long-lived increase in its activity for approximately two years in the radio bands, which correlates with a similar increase in all other bands from submillimeter to γ-rays. A significant correlation is also found between radio fluxes and simultaneous spectral indices during this period. The study of the discrete correlation function indicates time lags smaller than the uncertainties of ∼40 days among both radio bands and high-energy bands, and a time lag of ∼70 days, with γ-rays leading radio emission. We interpret this as showing that the high-energy and radio fluxes arise from different emitting regions, located at 1 ± 13 and 40 ± 13 pc from the central engine respectively.

Study of the eclipse region of the redback millisecond pulsar J1431–4715

We report on the rotational, astrometric and orbital parameters for PSR J1431–4715, and we also present a preliminary analysis of the eclipsing region. This pulsar was discovered in the High Time Resolution Universe survey and it belongs to the class of “redback” systems. The minimum estimated mass for the companion of J1431–4715 is, indeed, 0.13 M⊙. Thanks to multi-frequency observations, obtained at the 64 m Parkes radio telescope, we note that the magnitude and the duration of the eclipse delay depend upon the observing frequency.

Imprints of cosmic rays in multifrequency observations of the interstellar emission

Ever since the discovery of Cosmic Rays (CRs), significant advancements have been made in modeling their propagation in the Galaxy and in the Heliosphere. However, propagation models suffer from degeneracy of many parameters. To complicate the picture the precision of recent data have started challenging existing models. To tackle these issues we use available multifrequency observations of the interstellar emission from radio to gamma rays, together with direct CR measurements, to study local interstellar spectra (LIS) and propagation models. As a result, the electron LIS is characterized without any assumption on solar modulation, and favorite propagation models are put forward. More precisely, our analysis leads to the following main conclusions: (1) the electron injection spectrum needs at least a break below a few GeV; (2) even though consistent with direct CR measurements, propagation models producing a LIS with large all-electron density from a few hundreds of MeV to a few GeV are disfavored by both radio and gamma-ray observations; (3) the usual assumption that direct CR measurements, after accounting for solar modulation, are representative of the proton LIS in our ~1 kpc region is challenged by the observed local gamma-ray HI emissivity. We provide the resulting proton LIS, all-electron LIS, and propagation parameters, based on synchrotron, gamma-ray, and direct CR data. A plain diffusion model and a tentative diffusive-reacceleration model are put forward. The various models are investigated in the inner-Galaxy region in X-rays and gamma rays. Predictions of the interstellar emission for future gamma-ray instruments (e-ASTROGAM and AMEGO) are derived.

The Power of Simultaneous Multi-frequency Observations for mm-VLBI: Beyond Frequency Phase Transfer

Abstract Atmospheric propagation effects at millimeter wavelengths can significantly alter the phases of radio signals and reduce the coherence time, putting tight constraints on high-frequency Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations. In previous works, it has been shown that non-dispersive (e.g., tropospheric) effects can be calibrated with the frequency phase transfer (FPT) technique. The coherence time can thus be significantly extended. Ionospheric effects, which can still be significant, remain however uncalibrated after FPT as well as the instrumental effects. In this work, we implement a further phase transfer between two FPT residuals (i.e., so-called FPT-square) to calibrate the ionospheric effects based on their frequency dependence. We show that after FPT-square, the coherence time at 3 mm can be further extended beyond 8 hr and the residual phase errors can be sufficiently canceled by applying the calibration of another source, which can have a large angular separation from the target ( ) and significant temporal gaps. Calibrations for all-sky distributed sources with a few calibrators are also possible after FPT-square. One of the strengths and uniqueness of this calibration strategy is the suitability for high-frequency all-sky survey observations including very weak sources. We discuss the introduction of a pulse calibration system in the future to calibrate the remaining instrumental effects, allowing the possibility of imaging the source structure at high frequencies with FPT-square, where all phases are fully calibrated without involving any additional sources.

The Jets of Microquasars during Giant Flares and Quiet State

We report on the radio properties of jets of the following microquasars, as determined from daily multi-frequency monitoring observations with the RATAN-600 radio telescope during 2010–2017: V404 Cyg, SS433, Cyg X-1, GRS1915+105 and LSI+61 ∘ 303. We have detected many giant flares from SS433, a powerful flare from V404 Cyg in June 2015, an active state of Cyg X-1 in 2017 and fifty periodic flares from LSI+61 ∘ 303. We describe the properties of massive ejections based on multi-band (radio, X-ray and γ -ray) studies. The general properties of the light curves are closely connected with the processes of jet formation in microquasars.

Spectral properties of 441 radio pulsars

We present a study of the spectral properties of 441 pulsars observed with the Parkes radio telescope near the centre frequencies of 728, 1382 and 3100 MHz. The observations at 728 and 3100 MHz were conducted simultaneously using the dual-band 10-50cm receiver. These high-sensitivity, multi-frequency observations provide a systematic and uniform sample of pulsar flux densities. We combine our measurements with spectral data from the literature in order to derive the spectral properties of these pulsars. Using techniques from robust regression and information theory we classify the observed spectra in an objective, robust and unbiased way into five morphological classes: simple or broken power law, power law with either low or high-frequency cut-off and log-parabolic spectrum. While about $79 \%$ of the pulsars that could be classified have simple power law spectra, we find significant deviations in 73 pulsars, 35 of which have curved spectra, 25 with a spectral break and 10 with a low-frequency turn-over. We identify 11 gigahertz-peaked spectrum (GPS) pulsars, with 3 newly identified in this work and 8 confirmations of known GPS pulsars; 3 others show tentative evidence of GPS, but require further low-frequency measurements to support this classification. The weighted mean spectral index of all pulsars with simple power law spectra is $-1.60 \pm 0.03$. The observed spectral indices are well described by a shifted log-normal distribution. The strongest correlations of spectral index are with spin-down luminosity, magnetic field at the light-cylinder and spin-down rate. We also investigate the physical origin of the observed spectral features and determine emission altitudes for three pulsars.

A Millimeter-Wave Quasi-Optical Circuit for Compact Triple-Band Receiving System

A novel receiver optical system designed for Korean VLBI Network (KVN) has been used for conducting simultaneous millimeter-wave very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations at frequencies of 22, 43, 86, and 129 GHz. This multi-frequency band receiver system has been effective in compensation of atmospheric phase fluctuation by unique phase referencing technique in mm-VLBI observations. However, because the original optics system incorporated individual cryogenic receivers in separate cryostats, a rather bulky optical bench of size about 2600 mm x 2300 mm x 60 mm was required. To circumvent difficulties in installation and beam alignment, an integrated quasi-optical circuit incorporating a more compact triple-band receiver in single cryostat is proposed in this paper. The recommended frequency bands of the improved triple-band receiver are K(18–26 GHz) band, Q(35–50 GHz) band, and W(85–115 GHz) band. A frequency-independent quasi-optical circuit for triple band is adopted to obtain constant aperture efficiency as a function of the observed frequencies. The simulation results show that total aperture efficiency of each recommended frequency band is maintained almost constant within 1%. We present the design details of the compact wideband quasi-optical circuit and the triple-band receiver optimized for simultaneous multi-frequency observations.

Exploiting simultaneous multi-frequency observations to probe polar-cap processes

AbstractSub-pulse drifting has been regarded as one of the most insightful aspects of the pulsar radio emission. The phenomenon is generally explained with a system of emission sub-beams rotating around the magnetic axis, originating from a carousel of sparks near the pulsar surface (the carousel model). Since the observed radio emission at different frequencies is generated at different altitudes in the pulsar magnetosphere, corresponding sampling of the carousel on the polar cap differs slightly in magnetic latitude. When this aspect is considered, it is shown here that the carousel model predicts important observable effects in multi-frequency or wide-band observations. Also presented here are brief mentions of how this aspect can be exploited to probe the electrodynamics in the polar cap by estimating various physical quantities, and correctly interpret various carousel related phenomena, in addition to test the carousel model itself.

Multi-frequency scatter-broadening evolution of pulsars

AbstractIn this paper, we present our study on multi-frequency scatter-broadening observations of a large sample of pulsars, made using the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT) and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). For each pulsar, the scatter-broadening time scales (τsc) have been estimated at different observing frequencies and the dependence of τsc with the observing frequency, i.e., the frequency scaling index (α) has been obtained. We report estimates of α for a set of 39 pulsars, of which 31 are completely new and provide the first-time measurement on about 50% of the sample. This enhanced sample suggests that almost 65% of the pulsars have an α much lower than the conventional value of 4.4 for a Kolmogorov type turbulence spectrum, and a considerably large scattering strength. An increase in scattering strength is observed with the distance to the pulsar in the Galaxy.

Wide band simultaneous multi-frequency single pulse study of PSR J1822–2256 with upgraded GMRT

AbstractWe present simultaneous multi-frequency observations of PSR J1822–2256 for the first time, utilizing the unique capabilities of upgraded Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (uGMRT). No emission is detected in about 10 % of pulses. At least two drift modes and a possibly third rare mode, occur for 66, 21 and 2 % pulses respectively (P3 ~ 17, 7.5 and 5 P0 respectively). The three drift modes and the nulls occur concurrently from 250 to 1500 MHz. Modal average profiles are distinct with their widths increasing with drift rate. These sub-pulse drift related profile mode-changes can provide independent probes of beam geometry and polar gap physics.

Phase shifts in multi-frequency observations of the drift bands of J0034-0721

AbstractWe observed single pulses from PSR J0034-0721 (B0031-07) simultaneously at the MWA (185 MHz) and the GMRT (610 MHz). Correlation analyses reveal that the phase difference of the average profiles at the two frequencies differs from the phase difference observed between individual subpulses, indicating that the individual emission columns above the pulsar’s rotating carousel of sparks do not evolve in frequency in the same way that the global magnetosphere does. This hints at a possible departure from the dipolar field geometry in this pulsar’s emission region. Moreover, the discrepancy depends on the drift mode, suggestive of a way to constrain the emission heights associated with each drift mode.

Can CMB Surveys Help the AGN Community?

Contemporary projects to measure anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) are now detecting hundreds to thousands of extragalactic radio sources, most of them blazars. As a member of a group of CMB scientists involved in the construction of catalogues of such sources and their analysis, I wish to point out the potential value of CMB surveys to studies of AGN jets and their polarization. Current CMB projects, for instance, reach mJy sensitivity, offer wide sky coverage, are “blind” and generally of uniform sensitivity across the sky (hence useful statistically), make essentially simultaneous multi-frequency observations at frequencies from 30 to 857 GHz, routinely offer repeated observations of sources with interesting cadences and now generally provide polarization measurements. The aim here is not to analyze in any depth the AGN science already derived from such projects, but rather to heighten awareness of their promise for the AGN community.

Constraining the Orbit of the Supermassive Black Hole Binary 0402+379

Abstract The radio galaxy 0402+379 is believed to host a supermassive black hole binary (SMBHB). The two compact-core sources are separated by a projected distance of 7.3 pc, making it the most (spatially) compact resolved SMBHB known. We present new multi-frequency VLBI observations of 0402+379 at 5, 8, 15, and 22 GHz and combine them with previous observations spanning 12 years. A strong frequency-dependent core shift is evident, which we use to infer magnetic fields near the jet base. After correcting for these shifts we detect significant relative motion of the two cores at at . With some assumptions about the orbit, we use this measurement to constrain the orbital period yr and SMBHB mass . While additional observations are needed to confirm this motion and obtain a precise orbit, this is apparently the first black hole system resolved as a visual binary.

Multi-epoch radio imaging of γ-ray Nova V959 Mon

V959 Mon (Nova Mon 2012) was first detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope in June 2012, as a transient gamma-ray source. Subsequent optical observations showed that this gamma-ray emission was due to a classical nova explosion. Multi-frequency observations of V959 Mon with the VLA between June and September 2012 revealed dramatic brightening, and a spectrum that steepened with increasing frequency. High resolution radio images of V959 Mon using e-MERLIN are presented here, at six epochs between September 2012 and February 2014 which show morphological evolution of the source. While early e-MERLIN observations of V959 Mon show an east-west elonga- tion in the ejecta morphology, subsequent observations suggest that the ejecta become elongated in the north-south direction. Our high-resolution observations of this sur- prising evolution in the structure of V959 Mon can assist us in further understanding the behaviour and morphology of nova ejecta.

Star Formation Activity in the Molecular Cloud G35.20–0.74: Onset of Cloud–Cloud Collision

Abstract To probe star formation (SF) processes, we present results of an analysis of the molecular cloud G35.20−0.74 (hereafter MCG35.2) using multi-frequency observations. The MCG35.2 is depicted in a velocity range of 30–40 km s−1. An almost horseshoe-like structure embedded within the MCG35.2 is evident in the infrared and millimeter images and harbors the previously known sites, ultra-compact/hyper-compact G35.20−0.74N H ii region, Ap2-1, and Mercer 14 at its base. The site, Ap2-1, is found to be excited by a radio spectral type of B0.5V star where the distribution of 20 cm and Hα emission is surrounded by the extended molecular hydrogen emission. Using the Herschel 160–500 μm and photometric 1–24 μm data analysis, several embedded clumps and clusters of young stellar objects (YSOs) are investigated within the MCG35.2, revealing the SF activities. A majority of the YSOs clusters and massive clumps (500–4250 ) are seen toward the horseshoe-like structure. The position–velocity analysis of 13CO emission shows a blueshifted peak (at 33 km s−1) and a redshifted peak (at 37 km s−1) interconnected by lower intensity intermediate velocity emission, tracing a broad bridge feature. The presence of such a broad bridge feature suggests the onset of a collision between molecular components in the MCG35.2. A noticeable change in the H-band starlight mean polarization angles has also been observed in the MCG35.2, probably tracing the interaction between molecular components. Taken together, it seems that the cloud–cloud collision process has influenced the birth of massive stars and YSOs clusters in the MCG35.2.

ALMA and RATIR observations of GRB 131030A

Abstract We report on the first open-use based Atacama Large Millimeter/submm Array (ALMA) 345 GHz observation for the late afterglow phase of GRB 131030A. The ALMA observation constrained a deep limit at 17.1 d for the afterglow and host galaxy. We also identified a faint submillimeter source (ALMA J2300−0522) near the GRB 131030A position. The deep limit at 345 GHz and multifrequency observations obtained using Swift and RATIR yielded forward-shock modeling with a two-dimensional relativistic hydrodynamic jet simulation and described X-ray excess in the afterglow. The excess was inconsistent with the synchrotron self-inverse Compton radiation from the forward shock. The host galaxy of GRB 131030A and optical counterpart of ALMA J2300−0522 were also identified in the Subaru image. Based on the deep ALMA limit for the host galaxy, the 3σ upper limits of IR luminosity and the star formation rate (SFR) are estimated as LIR < 1.11 × 1011 L⊙ and SFR <18.7 (M⊙ yr−1), respectively. Although the separation angle from the burst location (3${^{\prime\prime}_{.}}$5) was rather large, ALMA J2300−0522 may be one component of the GRB 131030A host galaxy, according to previous host galaxy cases.

The Power of (Near) Simultaneous Multi-Frequency Observations for mm-VLBI and Astrometry

Simultaneous or near-simultaneous observations at multiple frequency bands have the potential to overcome the fundamental limitation imposed by the atmospheric propagation in mm-VLBI observations. The propagation effects place a severe limit in the sensitivity achievable in mm-VLBI, reducing the time over which the signals can be coherently combined, and preventing the use of phase referencing and astrometric measurements. We present two demonstrations of the power of (near) simultaneous multi-frequency observations with the KVN and VLBA, and our recently developed analysis strategies to enable new measurements at mm-VLBI. The first case comprises simultaneous observations at 22, 43, 87 and 130 GHz of a group of five AGNs, the weakest of which is ∼200 mJy at 130 GHz, with angular separations ranging from 3.6 to 11 degrees, using the KVN. We analysed this data using the Frequency Phase Transfer (FPT) and the Source Frequency Phase Referencing (SFPR) techniques, which use the observations at a lower frequency to correct those at a higher frequency. The results of the analysis provide an empirical demonstration of the increase in the coherence times at 130 GHz from a few tens of seconds to about twenty minutes, with FPT, and up to many hours with SFPR. Moreover the astrometric analysis provides high precision relative position measurements between two frequencies, including, for the first time, astrometry at 130 GHz. The second case is a variation of the above, whereby adding dedicated wide-band cm-wavelength observations to measure the ionosphere eliminates the need for a second, calibrator, source. This addresses the scarcity of calibrators at mm-VLBI. We dubbed this technique Multi Frequency Phase Referencing (MFPR). We present bona fide astrometrically aligned VLBA images of BL Lacertae at 22 and 43 GHz using MFPR, which, combined with results from conventional phase referencing at cm-wavelengths, suggests the VLBI core has a recollimation shock that is revealed at mm-wavelengths. These shocks could be responsible for the γ-ray emission in blazar jets.

RADIO-WEAK BL LAC OBJECTS IN THEFERMIERA

The existence of "radio weak BL Lac objects" (RWBLs) has been an open question, still unsolved, since the discovery that quasars could be radio-quiet or radio-loud. Recently several groups identified RWBL candidates, mostly found while searching for low energy counterparts of the unidentified/unassociated gamma-ray sources listed in the Fermi catalogs. Confirming RWBLs is a challenging task since they could be confused with white dwarfs (WDs) or weak emission line quasars (WELQs) when there are not sufficient data to precisely draw their broad band spectral energy distribution and their classification is mainly based on a featureless optical spectra. Motivated by the recent discovery that Fermi BL Lacs appear to have very peculiar mid-IR emission, we show that it is possible to distinguish between WDs, WELQs and BL Lacs using the [3.4]-[4.6]-[12]$\mu$m color-color plot built using the WISE magnitudes when the optical spectrum is available. On the basis of this analysis, we identify WISE J064459.38+603131 and WISE J141046.00+740511.2 as the first two genuine RWBLs, both potentially associated with Fermi sources. Finally, to strengthen our identification of these objects as true RWBLs, we present multifrequency observations for these two candidates to show that their spectral behavior is indeed consistent with those of the BL Lac population.

INDICATION OF THE BLACK HOLE POWERED JET IN M87 BY VSOP OBSERVATIONS

ABSTRACT In order to study the collimation and acceleration mechanism of relativistic jets, the jet streamline of M87 at milliarcsecond scale is extensively investigated with images from VSOP observations at 1.6 and 5 GHz. Thanks to the higher angular resolution of VSOP, especially in the direction transverse to the jet, we resolved the jet streamline into three ridgelines at the scale of milli arcseconds. While the properties of the outer two ridgelines are in good agreement with those measured in previous observations and can be expressed by one power-law line with a power law index of 1.7, an inner ridgeline is clearly observed for the first time. We compared the measured size with the outermost streamline expected by Blandford & Znajek's parabolic solutions, which are anchored at the event horizon, with different black hole spin parameters. We revealed that the observed inner ridgeline is narrower than the prediction, suggesting the origin of the inner ridgeline to be part of a spine originating from the spinning black hole. The inner ridgeline becomes very dim at large distances from the central engine at 5 GHz. We considered two possible cases for this; Doppler beaming and/or radiative cooling. Either case seems to be reasonable for its explanation, and future multi-frequency observations will discriminate those two possibilities.

Multi-Frequency Blazar Micro-Variability as a Tool to Investigate Relativistic Jets

For the past 12 years we have been studying optical micro-variability of a sample of 15 Blazars. We summarize the results of this study and draw some basic conclusions about the characteristics of micro-variability. The intermittency, the stochastic nature, and the similar profile shapes seen in micro-variations at different times and in different objects have led us to a possible model to explain the observed micro-variations. The model is based on a strong shock propagating down a relativistic jet and encountering turbulence which causes density or magnetic field enhancements. We use the theory of Kirk, Reiger, and Mastichiadis (1998) to describe the pulse of synchrotron emission emanating from individual density enhancements energized by the shock. By fitting these “pulses” to micro-variability observations, we obtain excellent fits to actual micro-variations. The model predicts that the spectral index changes as a function of pulse duration. This effect should be observable in multi-frequency micro-variability data. We present the theoretical model, model fits of our micro-variability light curves, and preliminary multi-frequency micro-variability observations that support this model. A further test that has yet to be carried out involves observing polarization changes in different pulses.