Transformation Properties of External Radiation Fields, Energy-Loss Rates and Scattered Spectra, and a Model for Blazar Variability

Abstract

We treat transformation properties of external radiation fields in the proper frame of a plasma moving with constant speed. The specific spectral energy densities of external isotropic and accretion-disk radiation fields are derived in the comoving frame of relativistic outflows, such as those thought to be found near black-hole jet and gamma-ray burst sources. Nonthermal electrons and positrons Compton-scatter this radiation field, and high-energy protons and ions interact with this field through photomeson and photopair production. We revisit the problem of the Compton-scattered spectrum associated with an external accretion-disk radiation field, and clarify a past treatment by the authors. Simple expressions for energy-loss rates and Thomson-scattered spectra are given for ambient soft photon fields consisting either of a surrounding external isotropic monochromatic radiation field, or of an azimuthally symmetric, geometrically thin accretion-disk radiation field. A model for blazar emission is presented that displays a characteristic spectral and variability behavior due to the presence of a direct accretion-disk component. The disk component and distinct flaring behavior can be bright enough to be detected from flat spectrum radio quasars with {\it GLAST}. Spectral states of blazars are characterized by the relative importance of the accretion-disk and scattered radiation fields and, in the extended jet, by the accretion disk, inner jet, and cosmic microwave background radiation fields.

43 pages, 12 figures, ApJ, in press; includes improvements in response to referee report, added references, section of detectability with GLAST

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