Abstract
We demonstrate that polarimetric interferometry can be used to extract precise spatial information about compact polarized flares of Sgr A∗. We show that, for a faint dynamical component, a single interferometric baseline suffices to determine both its polarization and projected displacement from the quiescent intensity centroid. A second baseline enables two-dimensional reconstruction of the displacement, and additional baselines can self-calibrate using the flare, enhancing synthesis imaging of the quiescent emission. We apply this technique to simulated 1.3 mm wavelength observations of a "hot spot" embedded in a radiatively inefficient accretion disk around Sgr A∗. Our results indicate that, even with current sensitivities, polarimetric interferometry with the Event Horizon Telescope can achieve 5 μas relative astrometry of compact flaring structures near Sgr A∗ on timescales of minutes.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 150 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 794 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 20 2014 |
Keywords
- Galaxy: center
- black hole physics
- submillimeter: general
- techniques: high angular resolution
- techniques: interferometric
- techniques: polarimetric
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science