The Role of Millimeter VLBI Observations in AGN Research
arXiv:astro-ph/0204062
Abstract
VLBI at millimeter wavelengths (mm-VLBI) allows the detailed imaging of compact galactic and extragalactic radio sources with micro-arcsecond scale resolution, unaccessible by other observing techniques. Here we discuss the scientific potential of mm-VLBI for present and future research on `Active Galactic Nuclei' (AGN) and their powerful relativistic jets. With the new generation of large radio telescopes and interferometer arrays operating in the millimeter radio bands (e.g. ALMA), the ultimate vicinity of super massive Black Holes, and eventually even their event horizon, could be imaged. With its large collecting area, and in combination with these future telescopes, the Sardinia Radio Telescope could form the World's `sharpest' astronomical imaging machine.
arXiv comment10 pages, 1 table, 7 figures. An inveited talk held at the Sardinia Radiotelescope Conference in Cagliari, Sardinia, on November 7-10, 2001