Probing quantum gravity using photons from a flare of the active galactic nucleus Markarian 501 observed by the MAGIC telescope

Abstract

We analyze the timing of photons observed by the MAGIC telescope during a flare of the active galactic nucleus Mkn 501 for a possible correlation with energy, as suggested by some models of quantum gravity (QG), which predict a vacuum refractive index â 1 + (E / MQGn)n, n = 1, 2. Parametrizing the delay between Î3-rays of different energies as Î t = ± ÏlE or Î t = ± ÏqE2, we find Ïl= (0.030 ± 0.012) s / GeV at the 2.5-Ï level, and Ïq= (3.71 ± 2.57) à 10-6s / GeV2, respectively. We use these results to establish lower limits MQG 1> 0.21 à 1018GeV and MQG 2> 0.26 à 1011GeV at the 95% C.L. Monte Carlo studies confirm the MAGIC sensitivity to propagation effects at these levels. Thermal plasma effects in the source are negligible, but we cannot exclude the importance of some other source effect. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved