Publications (41)29.94 Total impact
-
Article: Zooming towards the Event Horizon - mm-VLBI today and tomorrow
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Global VLBI imaging at millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelength overcomes the opacity barrier of synchrotron self-absorption in AGN and opens the direct view into sub-pc scale regions not accessible before. Since AGN variability is more pronounced at short millimeter wavelength, mm-VLBI can reveal structural changes in very early stages after outbursts. When combined with observations at longer wavelength, global 3mm and 1mm VLBI adds very detailed information. This helps to determine fundamental physical properties at the jet base, and in the vicinity of super-massive black holes at the center of AGN. Here we present new results from multi-frequency mm-VLBI imaging of OJ287 during a major outburst. We also report on a successful 1.3mm VLBI experiment with the APEX telescope in Chile. This observation sets a new record in angular resolution. It also opens the path towards future mm-VLBI with ALMA, which aims at the mapping of the black hole event horizon in nearby galaxies, and the study of the roots of jets in AGN.05/2013; -
Article: Geodetic VLBI correlation in software
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Correlation algorithms for geodetic very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) can now be effectively implemented on parallel computers of modest size. We have undertaken a detailed comparison of the output from a trusted geodetic correlator, one that has supported global geodetic VLBI observations for many years, with the output of a software correlator implemented on a small parallel computing cluster. We show that the correlator outputs agree closely, within expected error bounds, after accounting for the differences in the adopted geometric delay models, and therefore that use of the software correlator is feasible for geodetic VLBI processing, as a first step toward routine geodetic data processing. Recent developments in software correlation for geodesy are discussed, including the possibility of real-time processing options.Journal of Geodesy 04/2012; 83(11):1061-1069. · 2.41 Impact Factor -
Article: On the Calibration of Full-polarization 86GHz Global VLBI Observations
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We report the development of a semi-automatic pipeline for the calibration of 86 GHz full-polarization observations performed with the Global Millimeter-VLBI array (GMVA) and describe the calibration strategy followed in the data reduction. Our calibration pipeline involves non-standard procedures, since VLBI polarimetry at frequencies above 43 GHz is not yet well established. We also present, for the first time, a full-polarization global-VLBI image at 86 GHz (source 3C 345), as an example of the final product of our calibration pipeline, and discuss the effect of instrumental limitations on the fidelity of the polarization images. Our calibration strategy is not exclusive for the GMVA, and could be applied on other VLBI arrays at millimeter wavelengths. The use of this pipeline will allow GMVA observers to get fully-calibrated datasets shortly after the data correlation.03/2012; -
Article: DiFX2: A more flexible, efficient, robust and powerful software correlator
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Software correlation, where a correlation algorithm written in a high-level language such as C++ is run on commodity computer hardware, has become increasingly attractive for small to medium sized and/or bandwidth constrained radio interferometers. In particular, many long baseline arrays (which typically have fewer than 20 elements and are restricted in observing bandwidth by costly recording hardware and media) have utilized software correlators for rapid, cost-effective correlator upgrades to allow compatibility with new, wider bandwidth recording systems and improve correlator flexibility. The DiFX correlator, made publicly available in 2007, has been a popular choice in such upgrades and is now used for production correlation by a number of observatories and research groups worldwide. Here we describe the evolution in the capabilities of the DiFX correlator over the past three years, including a number of new capabilities, substantial performance improvements, and a large amount of supporting infrastructure to ease use of the code. New capabilities include the ability to correlate a large number of phase centers in a single correlation pass, the extraction of phase calibration tones, correlation of disparate but overlapping sub-bands, the production of rapidly sampled filterbank and kurtosis data at minimal cost, and many more. The latest version of the code is at least 15% faster than the original, and in certain situations many times this value. Finally, we also present detailed test results validating the correctness of the new code.01/2011; -
Article: VLBI imaging throughout the primary beam using accurate UV shifting
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: For Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), the fringe spacing is extremely narrow compared to the field of view imposed by the primary beam of each element. This means that an extremely large number of resolution units can potentially be imaged from a single observation. We implement and test a technique for efficiently and accurately imaging large VLBI datasets. The DiFX software correlator is used to generate a dataset with extremely high time and frequency resolution. This large dataset is then transformed and averaged multiple times to generate many smaller datasets, each with a phase centre located at a different area of interest. Results of an 8.4 GHz four-station VLBI observation of a field containing multiple sources are presented. Observations of the cali-brator 3C 345 were used for preliminary tests of accuracy of the shifting algorithm. A high level of accuracy was achieved, making the method suitable even for the most demanding astrometric VLBI observations. One target source (1320+299A) was detected and was used as a phase-reference calibrator in searching for further detections. An image containing 13 billion pixels was constructed by independently imaging 782 visibility datasets covering the entire primary beam of the array. Current implementations of this algorithm and possible future developments in VLBI data analysis are discussed.A&A. 01/2011; 526(140). -
Article: Towards millimeter VLBI
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We discuss the present performance and the future perspectives of VLBI in the 3 mm to 0.85 mm observing bands (so called mm-VLBI). The availability of new telescopes and the recent technical development towards larger observing bandwidth and higher data-rates now allow to image with 3mm-VLBI hundreds of sources with high dynamic range. As an example we show new images of the jets of Cygnus A. At 1.3 mm, pilot VLBI studies have proven detectability of the brightest AGN, and the existence of ultra-compact regions therein. In the next few years global VLBI imaging will be established also at 1.3 mm and 0.85 mm wavelength. With an angular resolution in the 10-20 micro-arcsecond range, future 1.3 mm- and 0.8 mm VLBI will be an extraordinarily powerful astronomical observing method, allowing to image the enigmatic `central engines' and the foot-points of AGN-jets in greater detail than ever possible before. A sufficiently large number of telescopes is a prerequisite for global aperture synthesis imaging. Therefore a strong effort is needed to make more telescopes available for VLBI at short millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths. In this context, the further VLBI upgrade of both IRAM telescopes and the outfit of the APEX telescope in Chile, in preparation for later mm-/sub-mm VLBI with ALMA, is of high scientific importance. With a sufficiently large mm-VLBI network, the micro-arcsecond scale imaging of the post-Newtonian emission zone around the event horizon/ergosphere of nearby super-massive Black Holes (such as e.g. Sgr A*, M87, ...) should become possible within the next few years.01/2009; -
Article: Resolving the jet in Cygnus A
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Our previous studies revealed a good kinematic model for the jet of Cygnus A, but the counter-jet speed is still not well constrained. The central engine and part of the counter-jet of Cyg A are likely to be obscured by free-free absorbing material, presumably a thick torus. At mm-wavelengths, the absorber becomes optically thin, which provides a more detailed view into the inner nuclear region. Knowing the speed of jet and counter-jet and their flux density ratio allows to determine the jet Lorentz factors and orientation. Therefore we started to monitor Cyg A with global VLBI at 43GHz in Oct. 2007. Our first epoch reveals a previously unseen gap between both jets. This could be either a sign for a new counter-jet component that is slowly separating or we start to see the very inner acceleration region of the jet which is not efficiently radiating at radio wavelengths. Further more the image shows transversely resolved jet structures at distances beyond ~0.5pc which facilitate more detailed investigations addressing jet stratification. Analysis of the resolved jet structure shows that the initially wide jet (opening angle ~10deg) collimates within the first parsec into a edge-brightened jet with an opening angle of ~3deg.01/2009; -
Article: Superluminal non-ballistic jet swing in the quasar NRAO 150 revealed by mm-VLBI
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: NRAO 150 -a compact and bright radio to mm source showing core/jet structure- has been recently identified as a quasar at redshift z=1.52 through a near-IR spectral observation. To study the jet kinematics on the smallest accessible scales and to compute the first estimates of its basic physical properties, we have analysed the ultra-high-resolution images from a new monitoring program at 86 GHz and 43 GHz with the GMVA and the VLBA, respectively. An additional archival and calibration VLBA data set, covering from 1997 to 2007, has been used. Our data shows an extreme projected counter-clock-wise jet position angle swing at an angular rate of up to ~11 deg./yr within the inner ~31 pc of the jet, which is associated with a non-ballistic superluminal motion of the jet within this region. The results suggest that the magnetic field could play an important role in the dynamics of the jet in NRAO 150, which is supported by the large values of the magnetic field strength obtained from our first estimates. The extreme characteristics of the jet swing make NRAO 150 a prime source to study the jet wobbling phenomenon. Comment: Accepted for publication in A&A Letters. 4 pages (including 3 figures) + 3 additional Tables10/2007; -
Article: Sub-Milliarcsecond Imaging of Sgr A* and M 87
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We present and discuss new result from mm-VLBI observations of M 87 and Sgr A*. The imaging of these sources with a spatial resolutions of a few to a few ten Schwarzschild radii offers new possibilities to study the immediate environment of super-massive black holes.Journal of Physics Conference Series 12/2006; 54(1):328. -
Article: Sub-milliarcsecond Imaging of SgrA* and M87
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We present and discuss new result from mm-VLBI observations of M87 and SgrA*, using the Global mm-VLBI array (GMVA). New 3mm-VLBI images of the inner jet of M87 are presented, showing details with a spatial resolution down to 15 Schwarzschild radii. This resolution corresponds to a similar spatial resolution (in terms of R_s) obtained for Sgr A*. We discuss existing and new size determinations for this source provided by mm-VLBI at wavelengths of 3, 2, and 1.4 mm. With respect to the morphological difference between Sgr A* and M87 (the latter exhibits a long jet), a comparison of the sub-milliarcsecond structures seen with mm-VLBI may lead to a better understanding of the astro-physical processes acting in the vicinity of super-massive black holes. Comment: Contribution to the proceedings of the Galactic Center Workshop 2006 "From the Center of the Milky Way to Nearby Low-Luminosity Galactic Nuclei", held in Bad Honnef, Germany on April 18 - 22, 2006. Editors: R. Schoedel (University of Cologne), et al.. To be published in the Journal of Physics: Conference Series by Institute of Physics Publishing. Paper contains 7 pages and 6 figures07/2006; -
Article: Present and Future Millimeter VLBI Imaging of Jets in AGN: The Case of NRAO 150
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The Global mm-VLBI Array is at present the most sensitive 3 mm-VLBI interferometer and provides images of up to 40 micro-arcsecond resolution. Using this array, we have monitored the rotation of the innermost jet in the quasar NRAO 150, which shows an angular speed of ~ 7 deg./yr. Future 3 mm arrays could include additional stations like ALMA, GBT, LMT, CARMA, SRT, Yebes, Nobeyama and Noto, which would allow to push VLBI at this wavelength to sensitivity and image quality levels comparable to those of present VLBI at centimeter wavelengths. This would improve our knowledge of the accretion systems and the magneto-hydrodynamics of the innermost jets in AGN and microquasars.12/2005; -
Article: Extending VLBI to 2mm and 1mm Wavelengths
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Technical VLBI experiments have been carried out at wavelengths shorter than 3mm, yielding the highest angular resolutions ever attained in any waveband. Long baseline detections of AGN at 129GHz, 147GHz, and 230GHz have fringe spacings (λ/D) of 56, 49, and 34μas respectively. We also present the first 129GHz VLBI map of the SiO masers associated with the evolved star VY CMa.11/2005; 340:605. -
Article: Relativistic jet motion in the core of the radio-loud quasar J1101+7225
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Multi-epoch GHz Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) data of the radio-loud quasar J1101+7225 were analyzed to estimate the proper motion of extended optically thin jet components. Two components separated from the core could be mapped at 1.66 GHz, which is consistent with earlier observations. In one case we found evidence of high apparent superluminal motion (beta_app= 22.5+/-4) at large (deprojected) distances to the core (22 mas ~ 4 kpc at z= 1.46). Typically in other quasars such high separation velocities are only found much closer to the core component. Furthermore the Doppler factor, the magnetic field strength, and the angular size of the optically thick core were derived using published X-ray data. Analysis of 5 GHz VLBI data reveals the existence of further jet components within the central 5 mas. Additionally the data published so far on the GHz-spectrum were discussed at all angular resolutions. J1101+7225 turns out to be a standard quasar for studying different aspects of radio jet kinematics out to kpc-scales. Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, accepted by A&A04/2005; -
Article: Compact Structure in FIRST Survey Sources
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We present preliminary results from a statistical survey of compact structure in faint radio sources. Around 1000 sources from the VLA FIRST survey (flux densities larger than 1 mJy at 1.4 GHz) have been observed with the single-baseline interferometer Effelsberg-Arecibo. We observed each source, selected from a narrow strip of sky at declination 28 deg, for just one minute. The baseline sensitivity at 1.4 GHz, using 512 Mb/s recording, is such that any FIRST source, selected at random, would be detected if most of its flux density is in compact structure. We discuss the detection-rate statistics from one epoch of these observations.01/2005; -
Article: Large-scale motion, oscillations and a possible halo on the counter-jet side in 1803+ 784
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We present world-array VLBI observations of the blazar 1803+784 performed on May 29, 1993 at λ = 18 cm. A 17-station VLBI array, the phased VLA and the 7-station MERLIN array observed the source simultaneously for 11 h. We present the global VLBI map, the MERLIN map, and combined-array maps at different resolutions giving an overview of the morphology of 1803+784 from the inner 10 mas to ∼2 arcsec. We show that the jet bends by around 90 • at a core separation of about 0.5 arcsec towards the South. On larger scales, a Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) map made at a wavelength of 6 cm resolves the bridge connecting the core with the secondary component some 45 to the south. Wiggles in the ridge of this emission suggest that, as on the 100-pc scale, the jet may also oscillate on 50−100 kpc scales. In addition to improved imaging of the southern component, the 6 cm map provides evidence for amorphous emission to the north, as well as an extended, halo-like component about the nucleus. We compare the source structure at 6 and 18 cm with the structure at 2 cm in a VLBA image obtained on November 6, 1999. Jet wiggling is clearly seen on all scales between 1 mas and 50 arcsec. We find some indication for apparent superluminal motion between ∼5c and 7c for the 25 mas jet component in model-fit results for five epochs of VLBI observations performed at 6 and 18 cm. In addition, we find some evidence for further so-called stationary components in the jet of this source which will have to be confirmed in future observations spaced more densely in time. We discuss the self-similar source morphology observed from mm to cm wavelengths – namely the wiggling on all observed scales – and the implications of the deviations from self-similarity. This is the second of two papers describing the radio structure of S5 1803+784. The first presented the results of 6 years of VLBI monitoring in the X-band (Britzen et al. 2005, MNRAS, in press).A&A. 01/2005; 444:443-454. -
Article: Towards the Event Horizon - The Vicinity of AGN at Micro-Arcsecond Resolution
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We summarize the present status of VLBI experiments at 3 mm (86 GHz), 2 mm (129-150 GHz) and 1.3 mm (215-230 GHz). We present and discuss a new 3 mm VLBI map of M87 (Virgo A), which has a spatial resolution of only approx. 20 Schwarzschild radii. We discuss recent VLBI results for SgrA* and argue in favor of new observations within an extended European mm-VLBI network, in order to search for variability. We discuss the possibilities to image the `event horizon' of a super-massive black hole at wavelengths < 2mm, and conclude that the addition of large and sensitive millimetre telescopes such as CARMA, the SMA, the LMT and ALMA will be crucial for this.12/2004; -
Article: Millimetre-VLBI Monitoring of AGN with Sub-milliarcsecond Resolution
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Global millimetre VLBI allows detailed studies of the most central jet regions of AGN with unprecedent spatial resolution of a few 100-1000 Schwartzschild radii to be made. Study of these regions will help to answer the question how the highly relativistic AGN jets are launched and collimated. Since the early 1990s, bright mm-sources have been observed with global 3 mm VLBI. Here we present new images from an ongoing systematic analysis of the available observations. In particular, we focus on the structure and structural evolution of the best observed AGN jets, taking 3C 454.3 as a characteristic example. This core-dominated and highly variable quasar shows a complex morphology with individual jet components accelerating superluminally towards the outer structure. We briefly discuss the X-ray properties of 3C 454.3 and present its radio- to X-ray large-scale brightness distribution.10/2004; -
Article: Spectral Properties of the Core and the VLBI-Jets of Cygnus A
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We present a detailed VLBI study of the spectral properties of the inner core region of the radio galaxy Cygnus A at 5 GHz, 15 GHz, 22 GHz, 43 GHz and 86 GHz. Our observations include an epoch using phase-referencing at 15 GHz and 22 GHz and the first successful VLBI observations of Cygnus A at 86 GHz. We find a pronounced two-sided jet structure, with a steep spectrum along the jet and an inverted spectrum towards the counter-jet. The inverted spectrum and the frequency-dependent jet-to-counter-jet ratio suggest that the inner counter-jet is covered by a circum-nuclear absorber as it is proposed by the unified scheme.10/2004; -
Article: Multi-frequency & Multi-epoch VLBI study of Cygnus A
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We present the first multi-frequency phase-referenced observations of Cygnus A done with the VLBA at 15 and 22 GHz. We find a pronounced two-sided jet structure, with a steep spectrum along the jet and a highly inverted spectrum towards the counter-jet. The inverted spectrum and the frequency dependent jet to counter-jet ratio suggest an obscuring torus in front of the counter-jet. From 14 epochs of 15 GHz VLBA data we accurately derive the jet and counter-jet kinematics. For the inner jet (r <= 5 mas) we measure motions of beta_app ~ 0.2-0.5 h^{-1} and on the counter-jet side we find beta_ app ~ 0.03+-0.02 h^{-1}. We discuss the jet velocities within the unified jet model.10/2003; -
Article: VLBI observations in Cluster-Cluster mode at 1.6 GHz
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We describe, and present preliminary results from the analysis of 1.6 GHz VLBI observations, made in Cluster-Cluster mode between subgroups of antennas from the WSRT, VLA and MERLIN arrays. We observed for two 6-hour periods on consecutive days, simultaneously monitoring 4 compact radio sources with angular separations ranging from ~1 to 9 degrees. The data were recorded in a non-standard MkIII mode using special set-ups, and correlated at the MPIfR MkIIIa correlator. The preliminary results from standard and phase reference analyses are very encouraging. The experiment has provided a useful database for investigating the potential of this new observing technique at low frequencies.08/2002;
Top co-authors
Top Journals
Institutions
-
1997–2012
-
Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie
Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
-
-
1986
-
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
-
