Particle acceleration in double radio sources

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Abstract
Further study has been made of a model of extragalactic double radio sources in which the magnetized accretion disc of a massive black hole acts as an electric dynamo producing oppositely directed beams of relativistic particles. An empty region of small angular size—a vortice core—is shown to be a possible consequence of the hydrodynamics of accretion of gas with angular momentum. An ambient magnetic field in the gas tends to accumulate in the core region. The acceleration of electrons in the dynamo electric field gives rise to oppositely directed electron beams which in turn produce synchroton gamma rays collimated along the core. Collisions between the gamma rays and low energy photons caN initiate an electromagnetic cascade shower. The cascade acts to produce a collimated relativistic electron‐positron beam. If the current flow in the dynamo occurs in surges, then the outward propagation of the head of the electron–positron beams may produce expanding compact radio components. The electron–positron beam is ballistic in nature, and it is electrically neutral and carries no current. Such a beam appears to have favorable stability properties. The beam is eventually stopped and spread out in pitch angle by the ram pressure of the external medium. Synchrotron radiated lobes of double radio sources.

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