Quasi-periodic oscillations of ∼15 minutes in the optical light curve of the BL lac S5 0716+714

Abstract

Over the course of 3 hr on 2008 December 27, we obtained optical (R band) observations of the blazar S5 0716+714 at a very fast cadence of 10 s. Using several different techniques, we find fluctuations with an approximately 15 minute quasi-period to be present in the first portion of these data at a >3σ confidence level. This is the fastest quasi-periodic oscillation that has been claimed to be observed in any blazar at any wavelength. While these data are insufficient to strongly constrain models for such fluctuations, the presence of such a short timescale when the source is not in a very low state seems to favor the action of turbulence behind a shock in the blazar's relativistic jet. © 2010. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.