The VLBA Imaging And Polarimetry Survey at 5 GHz
We present the first results of the VLBA Imaging and Polarimetry Survey (VIPS), a 5 GHz VLBI survey of 1,127 sources with flat radio spectra. Through automated data reduction and imaging routines, we have produced publicly available I, Q, and U images and have detected polarized flux density from 37% of the sources. We have also developed an algorithm to use each source's I image to automatically classify it as a point-like source, a core-jet, a compact symmetric object (CSO) candidate, or a complex source. Using data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), we have found no significant trend between optical flux and 5 GHz flux density for any of the source categories. Using the velocity width of the H{beta} emission line and the monochromatic luminosity at 5100 to estimate the central black hole mass, M{sub BH}, we have found a weak trend between M{sub BH} and 5 GHz luminosity density for objects with SDSS spectra. Ongoing optical follow-up for all VIPS sources will allow for more detailed explorations of these issues. The mean ratio of the polarized to total 5 GHz flux density for VIPS sources with detected polarized flux density ranges from 1% to 20% with a median value of about 5%. This ratio is a factor of {approx}3 larger if only the jet components of core-jet systems are considered and is noticeably higher for relatively large core-jet systems than for other source types, regardless of which components (i.e., core, jet, or both) are considered. We have also found significant evidence that the directions of the jets in core-jet systems tend to be perpendicular to the electric vector position angles (EVPAs). The data is consistent with a scenario in which {approx}24% of the polarized core-jets have EVPAs that are anti-aligned with the directions of their jet components and which have a substantial amount of Faraday rotation. Follow-up observations at multiple frequencies will address this issue in more detail. In addition to these initial results, plans for future follow-up observations are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76SF00515
- OSTI ID:
- 895478
- Report Number(s):
- SLAC-PUB-12214; TRN: US200703%%181
- Journal Information:
- Astrophys.J.658:203-216,2007, Journal Name: Astrophys.J.658:203-216,2007
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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