Rapid variability in the synchrotron self-compton model for blazars

Abstract

Blazars are characterized by large amplitude and rapid variability, indicating that the electron distribution is changing rapidly, often on time-scales shorter than the light-crossing time. The emitting region is sufficiently compact to let radiative losses dominate the cooling of high-enerey electrons. We study the time-dependent behaviour of the electron distribution after episodic electron injection phases, and calculate the observed synchrotron and self-Compton radiation spectra. Since photons produced in different parts of the source have different travel times, the observed spectrum is produced by the electron distribution at different stages of evolution. Even a homogeneous source then resembles an inhomogeneous one. Time delays between the light curves of fluxes at different frequencies are possible, as illustrated for the specific case of the BL Lac object Mrk 421.