scholarly journals Locating the gamma-ray emission region in the brightest Fermi-LAT flat-spectrum radio quasars

2020 ◽  
Vol 500 (4) ◽  
pp. 5297-5321
Author(s):  
Atreya Acharyya ◽  
Paula M Chadwick ◽  
Anthony M Brown
Keyword(s):  
Time Scales ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Emission Region ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Line Region ◽  
Spectrum Radio ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Gamma Ray Emission

ABSTRACT We present a temporal and spectral analysis of the gamma-ray flux from nine of the brightest flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) detected with the Fermi Large Area Telescope during its first 8 yr of operation, with the aim of constraining the location of the emission region. Using the increased photon statistics obtained from the two brightest flares of each source, we find evidence of sub-hour variability from B2 1520+31, PKS 1502+106, and PKS 1424−41, with the remaining sources showing variability on time-scales of a few hours. These indicate gamma-ray emission from extremely compact regions in the jet, potentially compatible with emission from within the broad-line region (BLR). The flare spectra show evidence of a spectral cut-off in 7 of the 18 flares studied, further supporting the argument for BLR emission in these sources. An investigation into the energy dependence of cooling time-scales finds evidence for both BLR origin and emission from within the molecular torus (MT). However, Monte Carlo simulations show that the very high energy (Eγ ≥ 20 GeV) emission from all sources except 3C 279, 3C 454.3, and 4C 21.35 is incompatible with a BLR origin. The combined findings of all the approaches used suggest that the gamma-ray emission in the brightest FSRQs originates in multiple compact emission regions throughout the jet, within both the BLR and the MT.

scholarly journals Detection of persistent VHE gamma-ray emission from PKS 1510–089 by the MAGIC telescopes during low states between 2012 and 2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 619 ◽  
pp. A159 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
V. A. Acciari ◽  
S. Ansoldi ◽  
L. A. Antonelli ◽  
A. Arbet Engels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Outer Radius ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Emission Region ◽  
Emission Model ◽  
Broadband Emission ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Gamma Ray Emission

Context. PKS 1510–089 is a flat spectrum radio quasar strongly variable in the optical and GeV range. To date, very high-energy (VHE, > 100 GeV) emission has been observed from this source either during long high states of optical and GeV activity or during short flares. Aims. We search for low-state VHE gamma-ray emission from PKS 1510–089. We characterize and model the source in a broadband context, which would provide a baseline over which high states and flares could be better understood. Methods. PKS 1510–089 has been monitored by the MAGIC telescopes since 2012. We use daily binned Fermi-LAT flux measurements of PKS 1510–089 to characterize the GeV emission and select the observation periods of MAGIC during low state of activity. For the selected times we compute the average radio, IR, optical, UV, X-ray, and gamma-ray emission to construct a low-state spectral energy distribution of the source. The broadband emission is modeled within an external Compton scenario with a stationary emission region through which plasma and magnetic fields are flowing. We also perform the emission-model-independent calculations of the maximum absorption in the broad line region (BLR) using two different models. Results. The MAGIC telescopes collected 75 hr of data during times when the Fermi-LAT flux measured above 1 GeV was below 3  ×  10−8 cm−2 s−1, which is the threshold adopted for the definition of a low gamma-ray activity state. The data show a strongly significant (9.5σ) VHE gamma-ray emission at the level of (4.27 ± 0.61stat)  ×  10−12 cm−2 s−1 above 150 GeV, a factor of 80 lower than the highest flare observed so far from this object. Despite the lower flux, the spectral shape is consistent with earlier detections in the VHE band. The broadband emission is compatible with the external Compton scenario assuming a large emission region located beyond the BLR. For the first time the gamma-ray data allow us to place a limit on the location of the emission region during a low gamma-ray state of a FSRQ. For the used model of the BLR, the 95% confidence level on the location of the emission region allows us to place it at a distance > 74% of the outer radius of the BLR.

scholarly journals The mid-2016 flaring activity of the flat spectrum radio quasar PKS 2023-07

2018 ◽  
Vol 616 ◽  
pp. A65 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Piano ◽  
P. Munar-Adrover ◽  
L. Pacciani ◽  
P. Romano ◽  
S. Vercellone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Emission Region ◽  
Massive Black Hole ◽  
Line Region ◽  
Entire Duration ◽  
Spectrum Radio ◽  
High Energy Emission

Context. Flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) can suffer strong absorption above E = 25∕(1 + z) GeV, due to gamma–gamma interaction if the emitting region is at sub-parsec scale from the super-massive black hole (SMBH). Aims. Gamma-ray flares from these astrophysical sources can be used to investigate the location of the high-energy emission region and the physics of the radiating processes. Methods. We present an episode of remarkable gamma-ray flaring activity from FSRQ PKS 2023-07 during April 2016, as detected by both the AGILE and Fermi satellites. An intensive multiwavelength campaign, triggered by Swift, covered the entire duration of the flaring activity, including the peak gamma-ray activity. Results. We report the results of multiwavelength observations of the blazar. We found that during the peak emission, the most energetic photon had an energy of 44 GeV, putting strong constraints on the opacity of the gamma-ray dissipation region. The overall spectral energy distribution (SED) is interpreted in terms of leptonic models for blazar jets, with the emission site located beyond the broad line region (BLR).

scholarly journals Detection of very high energy gamma-ray emission from IC 310 by the MAGIC telescopes.

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Sitarek ◽  
Fabio Zandanel ◽  
Francisco Prada ◽  
Saverio Lombardi ◽  
Andrii Neronov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
High Energy ◽  
High Energy Gamma ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Energy Gamma ◽  
Gamma Ray Emission ◽  
Very High

scholarly journals Very High Energy Gamma Rays from Plerions: CANGAROO Results

1998 ◽  
Vol 188 ◽  
pp. 125-128
Author(s):  
T. Kifune
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Rays ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Emission Region ◽  
Thermal Processes ◽  
High Energy Gamma ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Energy Gamma ◽  
Very High

The current status of very high energy gamma ray astronomy (in ~ 1 TeV region) is described by using as example results of CANGAROO (Collaboration of Australia and Nippon for a GAmma Ray Observatory in the Outback). Gamma rays at TeV energies, emitted through inverse Compton effect of electrons or π0 decay from proton interaction, provide direct evidence on “hot” non-thermal processes of the Universe, as well as environmental features, such as the strength of magnetic field in the emission region, for the non-thermal processes.

scholarly journals Systematic search for very-high-energy gamma-ray emission from bow shocks of runaway stars

2018 ◽  
Vol 612 ◽  
pp. A12 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
H. Abdalla ◽  
A. Abramowski ◽  
F. Aharonian ◽  
F. Ait Benkhali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Bow Shock ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Upper Limits ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Bow Shocks ◽  
Gamma Ray Emission ◽  
Runaway Stars ◽  
Very High

Context. Runaway stars form bow shocks by ploughing through the interstellar medium at supersonic speeds and are promising sources of non-thermal emission of photons. One of these objects has been found to emit non-thermal radiation in the radio band. This triggered the development of theoretical models predicting non-thermal photons from radio up to very-high-energy (VHE, E ≥ 0.1 TeV) gamma rays. Subsequently, one bow shock was also detected in X-ray observations. However, the data did not allow discrimination between a hot thermal and a non-thermal origin. Further observations of different candidates at X-ray energies showed no evidence for emission at the position of the bow shocks either. A systematic search in the Fermi-LAT energy regime resulted in flux upper limits for 27 candidates listed in the E-BOSS catalogue.Aim. Here we perform the first systematic search for VHE gamma-ray emission from bow shocks of runaway stars.Methods. Using all available archival H.E.S.S. data we search for very-high-energy gamma-ray emission at the positions of bow shock candidates listed in the second E-BOSS catalogue release. Out of the 73 bow shock candidates in this catalogue, 32 have been observed with H.E.S.S.Results. None of the observed 32 bow shock candidates in this population study show significant emission in the H.E.S.S. energy range. Therefore, flux upper limits are calculated in five energy bins and the fraction of the kinetic wind power that is converted into VHE gamma rays is constrained.Conclusions. Emission from stellar bow shocks is not detected in the energy range between 0.14 and 18 TeV.The resulting upper limits constrain the level of VHE gamma-ray emission from these objects down to 0.1–1% of the kinetic wind energy.

scholarly journals SEARCH FOR VERY HIGH ENERGY GAMMA-RAY EMISSION FROM PULSAR-PULSAR WIND NEBULA SYSTEMS WITH THE MAGIC TELESCOPE

2010 ◽  
Vol 710 (1) ◽  
pp. 828-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Anderhub ◽  
L. A. Antonelli ◽  
P. Antoranz ◽  
M. Backes ◽  
C. Baixeras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
High Energy ◽  
High Energy Gamma ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Energy Gamma ◽  
Pulsar Wind ◽  
Gamma Ray Emission ◽  
Very High

scholarly journals THE VERY BRIGHT AND NEARBY GRB130427A: THE EXTRA HARD SPECTRAL COMPONENT AND IMPLICATIONS FOR VERY HIGH-ENERGY GAMMA-RAY OBSERVATIONS OF GAMMA-RAY BURSTS

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 1460174
Author(s):  
PAK-HIN THOMAS TAM
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Component ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
Prompt Gamma ◽  
Large Area ◽  
High Energy Gamma ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Energy Gamma ◽  
Very High

The extended high-energy gamma-ray (>100 MeV) emission occurring after the prompt gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is usually characterized by a single power-law spectrum, which has been explained as the afterglow synchrotron radiation. We report on the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) observations of the >100 MeV emission from the very bright and nearby GRB 130427A, up to ~100 GeV. By performing time-resolved spectral fits of GRB 130427A, we found a strong evidence of an extra hard spectral component above a few GeV that exists in the extended high-energy emission of this GRB. This extra spectral component may represent the first clear evidence of the long sought-after afterglow inverse Compton emission. Prospects for observations at the very high-energy gamma-rays, i.e., above 100 GeV, are described.

scholarly journals Very high energy gamma-rays from flat spectrum radio quasars

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (S313) ◽  
pp. 27-32
Author(s):  
Elina Lindfors
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Rays ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
High Energy ◽  
High Energy Gamma ◽  
Spectrum Radio ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Energy Gamma ◽  
Emission Models ◽  
Γ Rays ◽  
Very High

AbstractThe detection of Flat Spectrum Radio Quasars (FSRQs) in the Very High Energy (VHE, E>100 GeV) range is challenging, mainly because of their steep soft spectra and distance. Nevertheless four FSRQs are now known to be VHE emitters. The detection of the VHE γ-rays has challenged the emission models of these sources. The sources are also found to exhibit very different behavior. I will give an overview of what is known about the VHE emission of these sources and about the multiwavelength signatures that are connected to the VHE gamma-ray emission.

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