Measuring the Size of a Quasar With Microlensing
Abstract
We will attempt to measure the relative sizes of the optical and X-ray continuum emitting regions in the four-image quasar lens Q2237+030. We chose this lens because it is virtually guaranteed to show microlensing variability during the course of the Cycle. The basic approach is very simple -- if the X-ray flux ratios of the images vary more than the optical flux ratios, then the X-ray emitting region must be more compact than the optical and vice versa. Based on Monte Carlo simulations of typical light curves, in 90% of trials we can recognize a factor of three difference in the source sizes at more than 3-sigma significance. Given typical levels of microlensing variability we do far better.
- Publication:
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Chandra Proposal
- Pub Date:
- September 2005
- Bibcode:
- 2005cxo..prop.1995K
- Keywords:
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- Chandra Proposal ID #07700355