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arXiv · 0710.4072

Quasar Host Orientation and Polarization: Insights into the Type 1/Type 2 Dichotomy

B. Borguet·D. Hutsemékers·G. Letawe·Y. Letawe·P. Magain
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Abstract

We investigate correlations between the optical linear polarization position angle and the orientation of the host galaxy/extended emission of Type 1 and Type 2 Radio-Loud (RL) and Radio-Quiet (RQ) quasars. We have used high resolution Hubble Space Telescope (HST) data and deconvolution process to obtain a good determination of the host galaxy orientation. With these new measurements and a compilation of data from the literature, we find a significant correlation between the polarization position angle and the position angle of the major axis of the host galaxy/extended emission. The correlation appears different for Type 1 and Type 2 objects and depends on the redshift of the source. Interpretations in the framework of the unification model are discussed.

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B. Borguet, D. Hutsemékers, G. Letawe, Y. Letawe, P. Magain. 2007-10-29. Quasar Host Orientation and Polarization: Insights into the Type 1/Type 2 Dichotomy. https://arxiv.org/abs/0710.4072

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