arXiv subjects

Margot Boughelilba

Publications and source records attributed to Margot Boughelilba.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Lepto-hadronic modeling of blazars associated with well-reconstructed high-energy neutrino events

The association of active galactic nuclei (AGN) with high-energy neutrinos has been studied through population and individual source analyzes, but whether these associations reflect physical processes or chance coincidences remains open. Blazars, AGN with relativistic jets aligned with the line of sight, spatially consistent with IceCube high-energy events, offer a natural framework to address this question. Combining multifrequency observations with physically motivated emission models allows us to assess whether these sources can plausibly account for the detected neutrinos. We study six blazars with single gamma-ray counterparts to well-reconstructed IceCAT-1 high-energy events, accounting for the improved localization expected from IceCAT-2, and compile their multifrequency spectral energy distributions (SEDs). We model these sources within a lepto-hadronic framework, exploring their parameter space to reproduce the observed emission while favoring solutions that maximize neutrino production. The SEDs can be reproduced with compact emission regions close to the broad-line region with moderate Doppler factors. The emission is generally leptonic-dominated, with subdominant contributions from hadronic cascades, except for one source where the gamma-rays are hadronic-dominated. For four, the energy density of the relativistic particles is close to equipartition with the magnetic field. The predicted neutrino detection rates reach up to $~5x10^{-2}$ per year, mostly compatible with one observed IceCube event under Poisson statistics. While these blazars are unlikely to significantly contribute to the diffuse neutrino flux, their properties are consistent with being possible counterparts to individual neutrino events, driven by contributions of external photon fields to the hadronic interaction rate, even for sources where these fields have previously been considered as non-significant.

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arXiv2026

Characterizing the Gamma-ray Emission from Low-Luminosity AGN

A majority of the active galactic nuclei (AGN) in the local Universe are classified as low-luminosity AGN (LLAGN), having bolometric luminosities $\lesssim 10^{42} \ \mathrm{erg \ s^{-1}}$. Although high-energy gamma-ray emission is predicted from both the jets and disks of LLAGN, to date only four have been detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT). In this work, we therefore conduct a comprehensive study of all the LLAGN from the Palomar spectroscopic survey of bright, northern galaxies, including both subthreshold and detected gamma-ray sources, using 14.4 years of LAT data. Our analysis results in a new detection of one LLAGN, as well as a detection of the subthreshold population using a stacking technique. We find that the signal from the subthreshold sample is consistent with being dominated by star-formation activity, although a contribution from compact jets or a mixed contribution from jetted and non-jetted systems is also feasible. On the other hand, the individually detected LLAGN are likely dominated by jet emission. We perform detailed spectral modeling for a subset of these sources and find that the gamma-ray signal can be explained by synchrotron self-Compton radiation, if the inner jet emission region is weakly magnetized with its total energy density being strongly particle dominated, and only slowly moving. With this work we also publicly release our Python-based stacking library for analyzing subthreshold source populations with the LAT, based on a proven technique used in numerous studies.

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arXiv2025

The physical properties of candidate neutrino-emitter blazars

The processes governing the production of astrophysical high-energy neutrinos are still debated, and the sources originating them remain an open question. Among the putative emitters, active galactic nuclei have gained increasing attention. Blazars, in particular, stand out due to their ability to accelerate particles in environments with external radiation fields. Recent observations suggest they may contribute to the neutrino flux detected by IceCube. We study the physical properties of a subsample of 52 blazars proposed as candidate neutrino emitters, based on a positional cross-correlation analysis between IceCube hotspots and the 5BZCat catalog. We aim to provide a first characterization of their central engines and physical nature, to explore the potential link with neutrino production. We analyze the optical spectroscopic properties of the 52 candidate neutrino-emitter blazars to infer their accretion regime. The study is complemented by radio and $γ$-ray data, which trace the intrinsic jet power. We compare the sample to other blazar populations in the literature, perform statistical tests, and explore, through simulations, the applicability of methods that include censored data. Overall, the target sample shows properties compatible with the reference samples. We observe a mild tendency to prefer objects with intense radiation fields, typical of radiatively efficient accretors, and high radio power. Among them, 24 are detected by Fermi-LAT, spanning various $γ$-ray luminosities. We also show that statistical tests commonly used in the literature need to be handled with caution, as they are sensitive to the number of censored data and the sample size.

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arXiv2025

Combined Fit of Spectrum and Composition for FR0 Radio-galaxy-emitted Ultra-high-energy Cosmic Rays with Resulting Secondary Photons and Neutrinos

This study comprehensively investigates the gamma-ray dim population of Fanaroff-Riley Type 0 (FR0) radio galaxies as potentially significant sources of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs, E $>$ 10$^{18}$ eV) detected on Earth. While individual FR0 luminosities are relatively low compared to the more powerful Fanaroff-Riley Type 1 and Type 2 galaxies, FR0s are substantially more prevalent in the local universe, outnumbering the more energetic galaxies by a factor of $\sim$5 within a redshift of z $\leq$ 0.05. Employing CRPropa3 simulations, we estimate the mass composition and energy spectra of UHECRs originating from FR0 galaxies for energies above 10$^{18.6}$ eV. This estimation fits data from the Pierre Auger Observatory (Auger) using three extensive air shower models; both constant and energy-dependent observed elemental fractions are considered. The simulation integrates an approximately isotropic distribution of FR0 galaxies, extrapolated from observed characteristics, with UHECR propagation in the intergalactic medium, incorporating various plausible configurations of extragalactic magnetic fields, both random and structured. We then compare the resulting emission spectral indices, rigidity cutoffs, and elemental fractions with recent Auger results. In total, 25 combined energy spectrum and mass composition fits are considered. Beyond the cosmic ray fluxes emitted by FR0 galaxies, this study predicts the secondary photon and neutrino fluxes from UHECR interactions with intergalactic cosmic photon backgrounds. The multi-messenger approach, encompassing observational data and theoretical models, helps elucidate the contribution of low luminosity FR0 radio galaxies to the total cosmic ray energy density.

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arXiv2023

Characterizing the $γ$-ray Emission from FR0 Radio Galaxies

FR0 galaxies constitute the most abundant jet population in the local Universe. With their compact jet structure, they are broadband photon emitters and have been proposed as multi-messenger sources. Recently, these sources have been detected for the first time in $γ$ rays. Using a revised FR0 catalog, we confirm that the FR0 population as a whole are $γ$-ray emitters, and we also identify two significant sources. For the first time, we find a correlation between the 5 GHz core radio luminosity and $γ$-ray luminosity in the 1 - 800 GeV band, having a 4.5$σ$ statistical significance. This is clear evidence that the jet emission mechanism is similar in nature for FR0s and the well-studied canonical FR (FRI and FRII) radio galaxies. Furthermore, we perform broadband SED modeling for the significantly detected sources as well as the subthreshold source population using a one-zone SSC model. Within the maximum jet power budget, our modeling shows that the detected gamma rays from the jet can be explained as inverse Compton photons. To explain the multi-wavelength observations for these galaxies, the modeling results stipulate a low bulk Lorentz factor and a jet composition far from equipartition, with the particle energy density dominating over the magnetic field energy density.

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arXiv2023

On the sub-parsec scale core composition of FR 0 radio galaxies

Although Fanaroff-Riley (FR) type 0 radio galaxies are known to be the most numerous jet population in the local Universe, they are much less explored than the well-established class of FR I and FR II galaxies due to their intrinsic weakness. Observationally, their nuclear radio, optical and X-ray properties are comparable to the nuclear environment of FR Is. The recent detection of two FR 0s in the high-energy band suggests that like in FR Is, charged particles are accelerated there to energies that enable gamma-ray production. Up to now, only the lack of extended radio emission from FR 0s distinguishes them from FR Is. By comparing the spectral energy distribution of FR 0s with that of FR Is and in particular with that of M87 as a well-studied reference source of the FR I population, we find the broadband spectrum of FR 0s exceptionally close to M87's quiet core emission. Relying on that similarity, we apply a lepto-hadronic jet-accretion flow model to FR 0s. This model is able to explain the broadband spectral energy distribution, with parameters close to particle-field equipartition and matching all observational constraints. In this framework, FR 0s are multi-messenger jet sources, with a nature and highly magnetized environment similar to that of the naked quiet core of FR Is.

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arXiv2023

Spine-sheath jet model for low-luminosity AGNs

In several jetted AGNs, structured jets have been observed. In particular spine-sheath configurations where the jet is radially divided into two or more zones of different flow velocities. We present a model based on the particle and radiation transport code CR-ENTREES. Here, interaction rates and secondary particle and photon yields are pre-calculated by Monte Carlo event generators or semi-analytical approximations. These are then used to create transition matrices, that describe how each particle spectrum evolves with time. This code allows for arbitrary injection of primary particles, and the possibility to choose which interaction to include (photo-meson production, Bethe-Heitler pair-production, inverse-Compton scattering, $γ$-$γ$ pair production, decay of all unstable particles, synchrotron radiation -- from electrons, protons, and all relevant secondaries before their respective decays -- and particle escape). In addition to the particle and radiation interactions taking place in each homogeneous zone, we implement the feedback between the two zones having different bulk velocities. The main mechanism at play when particles cross the boundary between the two zones is shear acceleration. We follow a microscopic description of this acceleration process to create a corresponding transition matrix and include it in our numerical setup. Furthermore, each zone's radiation field can be used as an external target photon field for the other zone's particle interactions. We present here the first results of the effect of a two-zone spine-sheath jet, by applying this model to typical low-luminosity AGNs.

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arXiv2023

Efficient Modeling of Heavy Cosmic Rays Propagation in Evolving Astrophysical Environments

We present a new energy transport code that models the time dependent and non-linear evolution of spectra of cosmic-ray nuclei, their secondaries, and photon target fields. The software can inject an arbitrary chemical composition including heavy elements up to iron nuclei. Energy losses and secondary production due to interactions of cosmic ray nuclei, secondary mesons, leptons, or gamma-rays with a target photon field are available for all relevant processes, e.g., photo-meson production, photo disintegration, synchrotron radiation, Inverse Compton scattering, and more. The resulting x-ray fluxes can be fed back into the simulation chain to correct the initial photon targets, resulting in a non-linear treatment of the energy transport. The modular structure of the code facilitates simple extension of interaction or target field models. We will show how the software can be used to improve predictions of observables in various astrophysical sources such as jetted active galactic nuclei (AGN). Since the software can model the propagation of heavy ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays inside the source it can precisely predict the chemical composition at the source. This will also refine predictions of neutrino emissions - they strongly depend on the chemical composition. This helps in the future to optimize the selection and analyses of data from the IceCube neutrino observatory with the aim to enhance the sensitivity of IceCube and reduce the number of trial factors.

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arXiv2022

Lepto-hadronic jet-disc model for the multi-wavelength SED of M87

The low-luminosity Active Galactic Nuclei M87, archetype of Fanaroff-Riley I radio-galaxies, was observed in a historically quiet state in 2017. While one-zone leptonic jet models alone cannot explain the core radio-to-gamma-ray spectrum, we explore a hybrid jet-disc scenario. In this work, we model the overall spectral energy distribution of M87's core with a dominating one-zone lepto-hadronic jet component, coupled with the contribution from the accretion flow. We find close-to-equipartition parameter sets for which the jet component fits the radio-to-optical data as well as the gamma-ray band, while the accretion flow mainly contributes to the X-ray band. The effects of gamma-ray absorption by the Extragalactic Background Light during the propagation towards Earth are probed and are found to be negligible for this model. The neutrino flux produced by such scenarios is also calculated, but remains below the current instruments' sensitivity.

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arXiv2021

FR-0 jetted active galaxies: extending the zoo of candidate sites for UHECR acceleration

Fanaroff-Riley (FR) 0 radio galaxies form a low-luminosity extension to the well-established ultra-high-energy cosmic-ray (UHECR) candidate accelerators FR-1 and FR-2 galaxies. Their much higher number density -- up to a factor five times more numerous than FR-1 with $z\leq 0.05$ -- makes them good candidate sources for an isotropic contribution to the observed UHECR flux. Here, the acceleration and survival of UHECR in prevailing conditions of the FR-0 environment are discussed. First, an average spectral energy distribution (SED) is compiled based on the \textit{FR0CAT}. These photon fields, composed of a jet and a host galaxy component, form a minimal target photon field for the UHECR, which will suffer from electromagnetic pair production, photo-disintegration, photo-meson production losses, and synchrotron radiation. The two most promising acceleration scenarios based on Fermi-I order and gradual shear acceleration are discussed as well as different escape scenarios. When an efficient acceleration mechanism precedes gradual shear acceleration, e.g., Fermi-I or others, FR-0 galaxies are likely UHECR accelerators. Gradual shear acceleration requires a jet Lorentz factor of $Γ>1.6$, to be faster than the corresponding escape. In less optimistic models, a contribution to the cosmic-ray flux between the knee and ankle is expected to be relatively independent of the realized turbulence and acceleration.

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arXiv2021

Scrutinizing FR 0 Radio Galaxies as Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Ray Source Candidates

Fanaroff-Riley (FR) 0 radio galaxies compose a new class of radio galaxies, which are usually weaker but much more numerous than the well-established class of FR 1 and FR 2 galaxies. The latter classes have been proposed as sources of the ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) with energies reaching up to ${\sim}10^{20}$ eV. Based on this conjecture, the possibility of UHECR acceleration and survival in an FR 0 source environment is examined in this work. In doing so, an average spectral energy distribution (SED) based on data from the FR 0 catalog (FR0CAT) is compiled. The resulting photon fields are used as targets for UHECRs, which suffer from electromagnetic pair production, photo-disintegration, photo-meson production losses, and synchrotron radiation. Multiple mechanisms are discussed to assess the UHECR acceleration probability, including Fermi-I order and gradual shear accelerations, and particle escape from the source region. This work shows that in a hybrid scenario, combining Fermi and shear accelerations, FR 0 galaxies can contribute to the observed UHECR flux, as long as $Γ_\mathrm{j}\gtrsim 1.6$, where shear acceleration starts to dominate over escape. Even in less optimistic scenarios, FR 0s can be expected to contribute to the cosmic-ray flux between the knee and the ankle. Our results are relatively robust with respect to the realized magnetic turbulence model and the speed of the accelerating shocks.

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