Magnetic Fields in Blazar Pc-scale Jets - Possible connection to Spin Rates of Black holes ?

Abstract

We re-examine the differences observed in the pc-scale magnetic field geometry of high and low optical polarization Quasars (HPQs, LPRQs) using the MOJAVE sample. We find that, as previously reported, HPQ jets exhibit predominantly transverse B fields while LPRQ jets tend to display longitudinal B fields. We attempt to understand these results along with the different B field geometry observed in the low and high energy peaked BL Lacs (LBLs, HBLs) using a simple picture wherein the spinning central black holes in these AGNs influence the speed and strength of the jet components (spine, sheath). Higher spin rates in HPQs compared to LPRQs and LBLs compared to HBLs could explain the different total radio powers, VLBI jet speeds, and the observed B field geometry in these AGN classes.

4 pages, Proceedings of the "High Energy Phenomena in Relativistic Outflows" meeting held in Dublin, Ireland, from Sept 24-28, 2007; to appear in the International Journal of Modern Physics D