Luminosity and density evolution of extragalactic radio sources
Abstract
The counting of radio sources is a strong tool for the investigation of evolution of extragalactic sources. Additional information can also be obtained from the "power-linear size" diagram (P-D), which is analogues to the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. On it there is clear evidence for the existence of a "main sequence" and the "sequence of giants". The "main sequence" consists mostly of the FR I sources. The "sequence of giants" consists of radio loud compact sources and quasars, and FR II sources, which grow in giant radio galaxies. Such evolution can be described with a theory based on the idea of fast adiabatic expansion of the source's extended parts (cocoons) and the synchrotron radiation of particles in these structures. Fixing the bulk kinetic power delivered to the cocoons by the jets, it is possible to obtain P-D tracks for FR II sources.
In my work I have taken a sample of radio sources, constructed the P-D tracks, and divided all sources into two types: ones which belong to the "main consequence", and others to the "sequence of giants". As for the last sequence, it can be considered as an independent evolutionary track of some radio source classes. These defined samples I have used for the estimation of their independent and joint radio luminosity and density evolution, through which it is possible to obtain fruitful results.- Publication:
-
41st Young European Radio Astronomers Conference
- Pub Date:
- July 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011yera.confE..23K