VLBA17B-064

Scintillation of FRB121102 and the associated persistent radio source

Abstract

The repeating Fast Radio Burst (FRB) 121102 provides an opportunity to study a single FRB source in detail and test theories of FRB origins. Recently, FRB 121102 has been associated with a persistent radio source that exhibits flux variations on timescales shorter than a day. Two explanations for this association have been identified, each linked to multiple theories: the persistent source is either an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) or a luminous nebula powered by a young neutron star. We propose to monitor the persistent radio source at 90 and 21 cm to determine if the observed flux variations are consistent with refractive scintillation or intrinsic to the source, as a test of the compactness of the source. We will also search for bursts in real time, and, if a burst is detected during our observations, we will retain the relevant baseband data and measure the scattering along our line of sight to the FRB to determine if the observed spectral structure of the bursts is consistent with scintillation at the source. Low-frequency observations of a burst will also provide a unique opportunity for precise RM measurements.

Investigators

Name	Institution
cong yanping	National Astronomical Observatories, CAS
I-Sheng Yang	Toronto, University of
Jeff Peterson	Carnegie Mellon University
Hsiu-Hsien Lin	Toronto, University of; Carnegie Mellon University
Xuelei Chen	National Astronomical Observatories, CAS
Kiyoshi Masui	Massachusetts Institute of Technology; British Columbia, University of; Toronto, University of
liam connor	Toronto, University of; California Institute of Technology
Niels Oppermann	Toronto, University of
Jean-Pierre Macquart	Curtin University of Technology
Franz Kirsten	Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy; Chalmers University of Technology
Viswesh Marthi	Toronto, University of; Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Keith Vanderlinde	Toronto, University of
Marten van Kerkwijk	Toronto, University of
Ue-Li Pen	Toronto, University of
Robert Main	McGill University
Dana Simard *	California Institute of Technology
GBT Operator	Green Bank Observatory

* indicates the PI