A Modified Synchrotron Model for Knots in the M87 Jet

Abstract

For explaining the broadband spectral shape of knots in the M87 jet from radio through optical to X-ray, we propose a modified synchrotron model that considers the integrated effect of particle injection from different acceleration sources in the thin acceleration region. This results in two break frequencies at two sides of which the spectral index of knots in the M87 jet changes. We discuss the possible implications of these results for the physical properties in the M87 jet. The observed flux of the knots in the M87 jet from radio to X-ray can be satisfactorily explained by the model, and the predicted spectra from ultraviolet to X-ray could be further tested by future observations. The model implies that the knots D, E, F, A, B, and C1 are unlikely to be the candidate for the TeV emission recently detected in M87.

12 pages, 1 figure, 2 tables, Accepted for publication in ApJ Letters

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Cited by in corpus (13)

• A Magnetohydrodynamic Model of the M87 Jet I: Superluminal Knot Ejections from HST-1 as Trails of Quad Relativistic MHD Shocks
• Determination of the intrinsic velocity field in the M87 jet
• High Energy Emission Processes in OJ 287 during 2009 Flare
• X-ray Radiation Mechanisms and Beaming Effect of Hot Spots and Knots in Active Galactic Nuclear Jets
• The energy distribution of relativistic electrons in the kilo-parsec scale jet of M87 with Chandra
• A Multiwavelength Spectral and Polarimetric Study of the Jet of 3C 264
• Radio-Gamma-ray connection and spectral evolution in 4C +49.22 (S4 1150+49): the Fermi, Swift and Planck view
• A Two Zone Synchrotron Model for the Knots in the M87 Jet
• A Magnetohydrodynamic Model of The M87 Jet. II. Self-consistent Quad-shock Jet Model for Optical Relativistic Motions and Particle Acceleration
• Examining High Energy Radiation Mechanisms of Knots and Hotspots in Active Galactic Nucleus Jets
• An asymmetrical synchrotron model for knots in the 3C 273 jet
• An hourglass model for the flare of HST-1 in M87
• A Modified Stratified Model for 3C 273 Jet