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Astrophysics

Title: Theoretical Models for Producing Circularly Polarized Radiation in Extragalactic Radio Sources

Abstract: We discuss the production of circular polarization in compact radio sources both by the intrinsic mechanism and by Faraday conversion. We pay particular attention to the magnetic field structure, considering partially ordered fiel ds and Laing sheets, and distinguishing between uniform and unidirectional fields. (The latter can be constrained b y flux conservation arguments.) In most cases, Faraday conversion is the more important mechanism. Conversion opera tes on Stokes U, which can be generated by internal Faraday rotation, or by magnetic field fluctuations, which can therefore produce circular polarization even in a pure pair plasma. We also show that the spectrum of circular pola rization in an inhomogeneous jet can be quite different from that in a uniform source, being flat or even inverted.
Comments: To appear in the proceedings of "Circular Polarization of Relativistic Jet Sources", eds R. P. Fender and J.-P. Macquart, in Astrophysics and Space Science. 12 pgs, 0 figs
Subjects: Astrophysics (astro-ph)
Journal reference: Astrophys.Space Sci. 288 (2003) 143-153
Cite as: arXiv:astro-ph/0305136v1

Submission history

From: John F. C. Wardle [view email]
[v1] Thu, 8 May 2003 18:43:07 GMT (39kb)