ISSN:
1572-946X
Quelle:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Thema:
Physik
Notizen:
Abstract We use the Cerenkov line emission mechanism to give a new explanation of the observed intensity ratios, particularly the Lα/Hβ ratio, of the emission lines of quasars. We give equations that restrict the choice of the parameter values. The parameters are the characteristic energy of the relativistic electrons, the number density of neutral hydrogen and its relative level populations. With reasonable choice of the parmaeters, we can obtain calculated Lα/Hβ, Hα/Hβ, Pα/Hα ratios in agreement with observed values. Our estimate for the gas density in the broad line region of quasars is ∼1015 cm−3, very different from previous estimates. Unlike previous theories, such a high density causes no difficulties with the Cerenkov line emission.
Materialart:
Digitale Medien
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00653986
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