arXiv subjects

C. C. Cheung

Publications and source records attributed to C. C. Cheung.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

arXiv2007

The Case of the 300 kpc Long X-ray Jet in PKS 1127-145 at z=1.18

The complex X-ray morphology of the 300 kpc long X-ray jet in PKS1127-145 (z=1.18 quasar) is clearly discerned in a ~100 ksec Chandra observation. The jet X-ray surface brightness gradually decreases by an order of magnitude going out from the core. The X-ray spectrum of the inner jet is relatively flat with alpha_X=0.66+/-0.15 and steep in the outer jet with alpha_X=1.0+/-0.2. The X-ray and radio jet intensity profiles are strikingly different, with the radio emission peaking strongly at the two outer knots while the X-ray emission is strongest in the inner jet region. We discuss the constraints implied by these data on the X-ray emission models and conclude that ``one-zone'' models fail and that at least a two-component model is needed to explain the jet's broadband emission. We propose that the X-ray emission originates in the jet proper while the bulk of the radio emission comes from a surrounding jet sheath. We also consider intermittent jet activity as a possible cause of the observed jet morphology.

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arXiv2007

Deep Chandra and multicolor HST observations of the jets of 3C 371 and PKS 2201+044

This paper presents multiwavelength imaging and broad-band spectroscopy of the relativistic jets in the two nearby radio galaxies 3C 371 and PKS 2201+044, acquired with Chandra, HST, VLA, and Merlin. Radio polarization images are also available. The two sources stand out as "intermediate'' between FRIs and FRIIs; their cores are classified as BL Lacs, although broad and narrow optical emission lines were detected at times. The multiwavelength images show jet morphologies with the X-ray emission peaking closer to the nucleus than the longer wavelengths. The jets are resolved at all wavelengths in a direction perpendicular to the jet axis. The jets SEDs are consistent with a single spectral component from radio to X-rays, interpreted as synchrotron emission. The SEDs show a progressive softening from the inner to the outer regions of the jet, indicating that the electron break energy moves to lower energies with distance from the core. Overall, the X-ray and multiwavelength properties of the jets of 3C 371 and PKS 2201+044 appear intermediate between those of FRIs and FRIIs.

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arXiv2007

The Continuing Saga of the Explosive Event(s) in the M87 Jet: Is M87 a Blazar?

We review the recent data on the knot HST-1 in the M87 jet in the context of typical blazar behavior. In particular we discuss the wide-band flare of 2005 which peaked at a factor of 50 to 80 times the intensity observed in 2000; the superluminal radio features; and the arguments that support the hypothesis that HST-1 was the source of the excess TeV emission found by H.E.S.S. in 2005. To the extent that M87 can be classified as a blazar, perhaps observed at a somewhat larger angle to the line of sight compared to most blazars, all of these blazar properties originate at a distance greater than 100 pc from the nucleus, and thus cannot be associated with the location of the 'launching of the jet'.

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arXiv2007

An X-ray jet in the BL Lac S5 2007+777

The BL Lac S5 2007+777 was observed by us with Chandra, to find the X-ray counterpart to its 18" radio jet, and study its structure. Indeed, a bright X-ray jet was discovered in the 33 ks ACIS-S image of the source. We present its properties and briefly discuss the implications.

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arXiv2007

Superluminal Radio Features in the M87 Jet and the Site of Flaring TeV Gamma-ray Emission

Superluminal motion is a common feature of radio jets in powerful gamma-ray emitting active galactic nuclei. Conventionally, the variable emission is assumed to originate near the central supermassive black-hole where the jet is launched on parsec scales or smaller. Here, we report the discovery of superluminal radio features within a distinct flaring X-ray emitting region in the jet of the nearby radio galaxy M87 with the Very Long Baseline Array. This shows that these two phenomenological hallmarks -- superluminal motion and high-energy variability -- are associated, and we place this activity much further (>=120 pc) from the ``central engine'' in M87 than previously thought in relativistic jet sources. We argue that the recent excess very high-energy TeV emission from M87 reported by the H.E.S.S. experiment originates from this variable superluminal structure, thus providing crucial insight into the production region of gamma-ray emission in more distant blazars.

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arXiv2007

Compton X-ray and Gamma-ray Emission from Extended Radio Galaxies

The extended lobes of radio galaxies are examined as sources of X-ray and gamma-ray emission via inverse Compton scattering of 3K background photons. The Compton spectra of two exemplary examples, Fornax A and Centaurus A, are estimated using available radio measurements in the ~10's MHz - 10's GHz range. For average lobe magnetic fields of >~0.3-1 micro-G, the lobe spectra are predicted to extend into the soft gamma-rays making them likely detectable with the GLAST LAT. If detected, their large angular extents (~1 deg and 8 deg) will make it possible to ``image'' the radio lobes in gamma-rays. Similarly, this process operates in more distant radio galaxies and the possibility that such systems will be detected as unresolved gamma-ray sources with GLAST is briefly considered.

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arXiv2007

An Infrared Study of the Large-scale Jet in Quasar PKS 1136-135

We present Spitzer IRAC imaging of the large-scale jet in the quasar PKS 1136-135 at wavelengths of 3.6 and 5.8 um, combined with previous VLA, HST, and Chandra observations. We clearly detect infrared emission from the jet, resulting in the most detailed multifrequency data among the jets in lobe-dominated quasars. The spectral energy distributions of the jet knots have significant variations along the jet, like the archetypal jet in 3C 273. The infrared measurements with IRAC are consistent with the previous idea that the jet has two spectral components, namely (1) the low-energy synchrotron spectrum extending from radio to infrared, and (2) the high-energy component responsible for the X-ray flux. The optical fluxes may be a mixture of the two components. We consider three radiation models for the high-energy component: inverse Compton scattering off CMB photons by radio-emitting electrons in a highly relativistic jet, synchrotron radiation by a second distinct electron population, and synchrotron radiation by ultra high energy protons. Each hypothesis leads to important insights into and constraints on particle acceleration in the jet, as well as the basic physical properties of the jet such as bulk velocity, transporting power, and particle contents.

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arXiv2007

Chandra and HST observations of gamma-ray blazars: comparing jet emission at small and large scales

We present new Chandra and HST data for four gamma-ray blazars selected on the basis of radio morphology with the aim of revealing X-ray and optical emission from their jets at large scales. All the sources have been detected. Spectral Energy Distributions of the large scale jets are obtained as well as new X-ray spectra for the blazar cores. Modeling for each object the core (sub-pc scale) and large-scale (>100 kpc) jet SEDs, we derive the properties of the same jet at the two scales. The comparison of speeds and powers at different scales supports a simple scenario for the dynamics and propagation of high power relativistic jets.

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arXiv2007

The Electron Energy Distribution in the Hotspots of Cygnus A: Filling the Gap with the Spitzer Space Telescope

Here we present Spitzer Space Telescope imaging of Cyg A with the Infrared Array Camera, resulting in the detection of the high-energy tails or cut-offs in the synchrotron spectra for all four hotspots of this archetype radio galaxy. When combined with the other data collected from the literature, our observations allow for detailed modeling of the broad-band emission for the brightest spots A and D. We confirm that the X-ray flux detected previously from these features is consistent with the synchrotron self-Compton radiation for the magnetic field intensity 170 muG in spot A, and 270 muG in spot D. We also find that the energy density of the emitting electrons is most likely larger by a factor of a few than the energy density of the hotspots' magnetic field. We construct energy spectra of the radiating ultrarelativistic electrons. We find that for both hotspots A and D these spectra are consistent with a broken power-law extending from at least 100 MeV up to 100 GeV, and that the spectral break corresponds almost exactly to the proton rest energy of 1 GeV. We argue that the shape of the electron continuum reflects two different regimes of the electron acceleration process at mildly relativistic shocks, rather than resulting from radiative cooling and/or absorption effects. In this picture the protons' inertia defines the critical energy for the hotspot electrons above which Fermi-type acceleration processes may play a major role, but below which the operating acceleration mechanism has to be of a different type. At energies >100 GeV, the electron spectra cut-off/steepen again, most likely as a result of spectral aging due to radiative loss effects. We discuss several implications of the presented analysis for the physics of extragalactic jets.

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arXiv2006

Panchromatic Views of Large-scale Extragalactic Jets

Highlights of recent observations of extended jets in AGN are presented. Specifically, we discuss new spectral constraints enabled by Spitzer, studies of the highest-redshift (z~4) radio/X-ray quasar jets, and a new VLBA detection of superluminal motion in the M87 jet associated with a recent dramatic X-ray outburst. Expanding on the title, inverse Compton emission from extended radio lobes is considered and a testable prediction for the gamma-ray emission in one exemplary example is presented. Prospects for future studies with ALMA and low-frequency radio interferometers are briefly described.

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arXiv2006

FIRST `Winged' and `X'-shaped Radio Source Candidates

A small number of double-lobed radio galaxies are found with an additional pair of extended low surface brightness `wings' of emission giving them a distinctive `X'-shaped appearance. One popular explanation for the unusual morphologies posits that the central supermassive black hole (SMBH)/accretion disk system underwent a recent realignment; in a merger scenario, the active lobes mark the post-merger axis of the resultant system. However, this and other interpretations are not well tested on the few (about one dozen) known examples. In part to remedy this deficiency, a large sample of winged and X-shaped radio sources is being compiled for a systematic study. An initial sample of 100 new candidates is described as well as some of the follow-up work being pursued to test the different scenarios.

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arXiv2006

The 300 kpc Long X-ray Jet in PKS 1127-145, z=1.18 Quasar: Constraining X-ray Emission Models

We present a ~100 ksec Chandra X-ray observation and new VLA radio data of the large scale, 300 kpc long X-ray jet in PKS1127-145, a radio loud quasar at redshift z=1.18. With this deep X-ray observation we now clearly discern the complex X-ray jet morphology and see substructure within the knots. The X-ray and radio jet intensity profiles are seen to be strikingly different with the radio emission peaking strongly at the two outer knots while the X-ray emission is strongest in the inner jet region. The jet X-ray surface brightness gradually decreases by an order of magnitude going out from the core. The new X-ray data contain sufficient counts to do spectral analysis of the key jet features. The X-ray energy index of the inner jet is relatively flat with alpha_X = 0.66 +/-0.15 and steep in the outer jet with alpha_X = 1.0 +/-0.2. We discuss the constraints implied by the new data on the X-ray emission models and conclude that ``one-zone'' models fail and at least a two component model is needed to explain the jet's broad-band emission. We propose that the X-ray emission originates in the jet proper while the bulk of the radio emission comes from a surrounding jet sheath. We also consider intermittent jet activity as a possible cause of the observed jet morphology.

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arXiv2006

Detailed Structure of the X-ray Jet in 4C 19.44 (=PKS1354+195)

We investigate the variations of the magnetic field, Doppler factor, and relativistic particle density along the jet of a quasar at z=0.72. We chose 4C 19.44 for this study because of its length and straight morphology. The 18 arcsec length of the jet provides many independent resolution elements in the Chandra X-ray image. The straightness suggests that geometry factors, although uncertain, are almost constant along the jet. We assume the X-ray emission is from inverse Compton scattering of the cosmic microwave background. With the aid of assumptions about jet alignment, equipartition between magnetic-field and relativistic-particle energy, and filling factors, we find that the jet is in bulk relativistic motion with a Doppler factor about 6 at an angle no more than 10 degrees to the line of sight over deprojected distances about 150--600 kpc from the quasar, and with a magnetic field approximately 10 micro Gauss.

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arXiv2006

Large-Scale Radio and X-ray Jets in the Highest Redshift Quasars

We describe our program to search for and study the kilo-parsec scale radio jets in a sample of high-redshift (greater than 3.4), flat spectrum quasars using new and archival VLA data. Two of these radio jets have been imaged with Chandra, and have X-ray counterparts and are briefly discussed. These high-redshift sources are important targets for testing current X-ray jet emission models for kpc-scale jets and follow-up multi-wavelength observations will shed light on this problem.

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arXiv2006

Confronting X-ray Emission Models with the Highest-Redshift Kiloparsec-scale Jets: the z=3.89 Jet in Quasar 1745+624

A newly identified kiloparsec-scale X-ray jet in the high-redshift z=3.89 quasar 1745+624 is studied with multi-frequency Very Large Array, Hubble Space Telescope, and Chandra X-ray imaging data. This is only the third large-scale X-ray jet beyond z>3 known and is further distinguished as being the most luminous relativistic jet observed at any redshift, exceeding 10^45 erg/s in both the radio and X-ray bands. Apart from the jet's extreme redshift, luminosity, and high inferred equipartition magnetic field (in comparison to local analogues), its basic properties such as X-ray/radio morphology and radio polarization are similar to lower-redshift examples. Its resolved linear structure and the convex broad-band spectral energy distributions of three distinct knots are also a common feature among known powerful X-ray jets at lower-redshift. Relativistically beamed inverse Compton and `non-standard' synchrotron models have been considered to account for such excess X-ray emission in other jets; both models are applicable to this high-redshift example but with differing requirements for the underlying jet physical properties, such as velocity, energetics, and electron acceleration processes. One potentially very important distinguishing characteristic between the two models is their strongly diverging predictions for the X-ray/radio emission with increasing redshift. This is considered, though with the limited sample of three z>3 jets it is apparent that future studies targeted at very high-redshift jets are required for further elucidation of this issue. Finally, from the broad-band jet emission we estimate the jet kinetic power to be no less than 10^46 erg/s, which is about 10% of the Eddington luminosity corresponding to this galaxy's central [abridged]

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arXiv2006

Shedding New Light on the 3C 273 Jet with the Spitzer Space Telescope

We have performed infrared imaging of the jet of the quasar 3C 273 at wavelengths 3.6 and 5.8 microns with the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on the Spitzer Space Telescope. When combined with the radio, optical and X-ray measurements, the IRAC photometry clearly shows that the optical emission is dominated by the high-energy component of the jet, not by the radio synchrotron component, as had been assumed to date. The high-energy component may be due to a second synchrotron component or to IC scattering of ambient photons. In the former case, we argue that the acceleration of protons exceeding 10^16 eV or possibly even to 10^19 eV would be taking place in the jet. In contrast, the IC model, into which highly relativistic Doppler beaming has to be incorporated, requires very low-energy electrons (~ 1 MeV). The present polarization data in the radio and optical would favor the former interpretation in the case of the 3C 273 jet. Sensitive and detailed measurements of optical polarization are important to establish the radiation mechanism responsible for the high-energy emission. The present study offers new clues as to the controversial origin of the X-ray emission seen in many quasar jets.

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arXiv2005

Deceleration from Entrainment in the jet of the quasar 1136-135?

Modeling the multiwavelength emission of successive regions in the jet of the quasar PKS 1136-135 we find indication that the jet suffers deceleration near its end on a (deprojected) scale of ~400 kpc. Adopting a continuous flow approximation we discuss the possibility that the inferred deceleration from a Lorentz factor Gamma=6.5 to Gamma=2.5 is induced by entrainment of external gas. Some consequences of this scenario are discussed.

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arXiv2005

The Outburst of HST-1 in the M87 Jet

The X-ray intensity of knot HST-1, 0.85" from the nucleus of the radio galaxy M87, has increased by more than a factor of 50 during the last 5 years. The optical increase is similar and our more limited radio data indicate a commensurate activity. We give the primary results of our Chandra X-ray Observatory monitoring program and consider some of the implications of this extreme variability in a relativistic jet. We find that the data support a 'modest beaming synchrotron' model as indicated in our earlier papers. Based on this model, the decay of the X-ray lightcurve appears to be dominated by light travel time across the emitting region of HST-1, rather than synchrotron loss timescales.

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