Spectral Evolution in Blazars

This prize-winning thesis deals with the observation and modeling of the spectral evolution of blazars. Based on single-dish light curves, a model of shock-shock interaction is tested and confirmed using multi-frequency high resolution Very Long Baseline Observations. He presents state-of-the art numerical relativistic hydrodynamic simulations and the corresponding non-thermal emission is calculated (eRHD simulations). The author further presents new analysis techniques for VLBI observations that can be applied to numerous sources and provide reliable results including an error estimate using Monte Carlo simulations. He also develops an analytical shock model that can be applied quickly to other single dish observations. He shows how novel techniques of extraction of physical parameters from observations can be applied to other astrophysical sources and provide a link to a better understanding of the physical mechanism operating in blazar jets.

Nominated for the Springer Theses series by the Max-Planck-Institute for Radio astronomy This thesis has been awarded the 2014 Promotion Prize of the Astronomische Gesellschaft for the best PhD thesis of the past year Presents new analysis techniques for VLBI observations that can be applied to numerous sources and provide reliable results including an error estimate using Monte Carlo simulations Develops an analytical shock model that can be applied quickly to other single dish observations Shows how novel technique of extraction of physical parameters from observations can be applied to other astrophysical sources and provide a link to better understand the physical mechanism in blazar jets Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Autorentext
Christian Fromm received his PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics from University of Bonn/ MPIfR, Germany, in December 2012. It was nominated for publication as Springer Thesis by MPIfR. He is now working as postdoctoral researcher at the German Aerospace Centre, Institut for Space Propulsion.

Inhalt
Introduction.- Theory.- Light curve analysis.- VLBI kinematic analysis.- Core-shift and spectral analysis.- eRHD Simulations.- The jet in CTA 102. A global perspective.- Appendices.