Very-high-energy gamma ray emission from AGN jets

We have recently developed new theoretical models for the broad-spectrum emission from relativistic jets from Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN; Potter & Cotter 2012, 2013a,b,c). These let us use the gamma-ray observations and those at other wavelengths to investigate the physical properties of the jet and the black hole at its base.
At present these models now propose to extend these models to look in particular at (i) rapid variability and flaring in jets and (ii) entrainment of heavy particles as the jets propagate through their host galaxy, and the resulting possibility of hadronic particle processes within the jets, and (iii) propagation of axion-like particles both within the jet and in intergalactic space between the AGN and the Earth.
We will investigate how the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) may be used to determine the physical conditions that lead to flaring and the presence, and extent, of emission from hadronic processes.