High Levels of Circularly Polarized Emission from the Radio Jet in NGC 1275 (3C 84)

We present multi-frequency, high resolution VLBA circular polarization images of the radio source 3C 84 in the center of NGC 1275. Our images reveal a complex distribution of circular polarization in the inner parsec of the radio jet, with local levels exceeding 3% polarization, the highest yet detected with VLBI techniques. The circular polarization changes sign along the jet, making 3C 84 also the first radio jet to show both signs of circular polarization simultaneously. The spectrum and changing sign of the circular polarization indicate that it is unlikely to be purely intrinsic to the emitted synchrotron radiation. The Faraday conversion process makes a significant and perhaps dominant contribution to the circular polarization, and the observed spectrum suggests the conversion process is near saturation. The sign change in the circular polarization along the jet may result from this saturation or may be due to a change in magnetic field order after an apparent bend in the jet. From the small spatial scales probed here, ~ 0.15 pc, and the comparably high levels of circular polarization inferred for the intra-day variable source PKS 1519-273, we suggest a connection between small spatial scales and efficient production of circular polarization.Comment: 4 pages, accepted in ApJ Letter

Probing the Circular Polarization of Relativistic Jets on VLBI Scales

High resolution studies of circular polarization allow us see where it arises in a jet, study its local fractional level and spectrum, and compare these results to local measures of linear polarization and Faraday rotation. Here we not only review past results from Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) circular polarization studies, but we also present preliminary new results on two quasars. In the core of PKS 0607-157, we find strong circular polarization at 8 GHz and much weaker levels at 15 GHz. Combined with the linear polarization data, we favor a simple model where the circular is produced by Faraday conversion driven by a small amount of Faraday rotation. In the core of 3C345, we find strong circular polarization at 15 GHz in a component with distinct linear polarization. This core component is optically thick at 8 GHz, where we detect no circular polarization. With opposite trends in frequency for PKS 0607-157 and 3C345, it seems clear that local conditions in a jet can have a strong effect on circular polarization and need to be taken into account when studying inhomogeneous objects with multi-frequency observations.Comment: To appear in the proceedings of "Circular Polarization of Relativistic Jet Sources", eds R. P. Fender and J.-P. Macquart, in Astrophysics and Space Science. 11 pgs, 2 fig

Theoretical Models for Producing Circularly Polarized Radiation in Extragalactic Radio Sources

We discuss the production of circular polarization in compact radio sources both by the intrinsic mechanism and by Faraday conversion. We pay particular attention to the magnetic field structure, considering partially ordered fiel ds and Laing sheets, and distinguishing between uniform and unidirectional fields. (The latter can be constrained b y flux conservation arguments.) In most cases, Faraday conversion is the more important mechanism. Conversion opera tes on Stokes U, which can be generated by internal Faraday rotation, or by magnetic field fluctuations, which can therefore produce circular polarization even in a pure pair plasma. We also show that the spectrum of circular pola rization in an inhomogeneous jet can be quite different from that in a uniform source, being flat or even inverted.Comment: To appear in the proceedings of "Circular Polarization of Relativistic Jet Sources", eds R. P. Fender and J.-P. Macquart, in Astrophysics and Space Science. 12 pgs, 0 fig

VLA Observations of a Complete Sample of Radio Loud Quasars between redshifts 2.5 and 5.28: I. high-redshift sample summary and the radio images

We present high resolution (arcsecond or better) observations made with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array of 123 radio-loud quasars with redshifts in the range $2.5 \leq z \leq 5.28$ that form a complete flux limited sample ($\geq 70$ mJy at 1.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Where possible, we used previous high resolution VLA observations (mainly A array at 1.4, 5 and 8 GHz) from the NRAO archive and re-imaged them (43 sources). For the remainder, new observations were made in the A array at 1.4 and 5 GHz. We show images of the 61 resolved sources, and list structural properties of all of them. Optical data from the SDSS are available for nearly every source. This work represents a significant increase in the number of high redshift quasars with published radio structures, and will be used to study the properties and evolution of luminous radio sources in the high redshift universe