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C. D. Dermer (NRL)
A theoretical overview of blazar jet physics is presented. Attenuation of TeV radiation by diffuse infrared radiation gives an integrated measure of the star formation rate history of the universe. Studies of blazar statistics and spectra reveal the evolution of supermassive black holes. Extremely large jet powers are required if the extended Chandra X-ray jet emission is due to Compton-scattered CMB radiation, so a two-component synchrotron model is argued to be more likley. The origin of the second synchrotron component could arise from neutral beams of ultra-high energy neutrons and gamma rays ejected from the central nucleus. Leptonic and hadronic models for the emissions from the inner jets are described, with predictions to discriminate between different radiation mechanisms. Upcoming gamma-ray and neutrino telescopes will provide important clues to determine how black holes power jets.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 #3
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.