Kavli Affiliate: Roger D. Blandford
| First 5 Authors: Andrew G. Sullivan, Andrew G. Sullivan, , ,
| Summary:
Supermassive black hole binary systems (SMBHBs) are thought to emit the
recently discovered nHz gravitational wave background; however, not a single
individual nHz source has been confirmed to date. Long-term radio-monitoring at
the Owens Valley Radio Observatory has revealed two potential SMBHB candidates:
blazars PKS 2131-021 and PKS J0805-0111. These sources show periodic flux
density variations across the electromagnetic spectrum, signaling the presence
of a good clock. To explain the emission, we propose a generalizable jet model,
where a mildly relativistic wind creates an outward-moving helical channel,
along which the ultra-relativistic jet propagates. The observed flux variation
from the jet is mostly due to aberration. The emission at lower frequency
arises at larger radius and its variation is consequently delayed, as observed.
Our model reproduces the main observable features of both sources and can be
applied to other sources as they are discovered. We make predictions for radio
polarization, direct imaging, and emission line variation, which can be tested
with forthcoming observations. Our results motivate future numerical
simulations of jetted SMBHB systems and have implications for the fueling,
structure, and evolution of blazar jets.
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