DOI

Linear polarization is an extremely valuable observational tool for probing the dynamic physical conditions of blazar jets. Some patterns are seen in the data, suggestive of order that can be explained by shock waves and helical magnetic field components. However, much disorder is apparent, which implies that turbulence plays a major role as well, especially in the fluctuations of flux and polarization, and perhaps particle acceleration. Here, we present some actual flux and polarization versus time data, plus simulations of model jets. We analyze the output of the simulations in a manner that can be compared with observational data. The results suggest that the ratio of turbulent to ordered magnetic fields varies with time.

Original languageEnglish
Article number63
Number of pages9
JournalGalaxies
Volume5
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2017

    Research areas

  • galaxies: active, galaxies: jets, quasars: general, BL Lacertae objects: general

ID: 26388685