Multifrequency monitoring of blazars

Abstract

The work presented in this thesis summarises the research carried out by the author. As an introduction, the variability of blazars is described and the various models believed to be responsible for the emission mechanisms which power these objects are discussed. The core blazars which have been the object of this thesis are presented along with a programme of observations.
There is discussion of the techniques of data reduction both using optical and submm techniques. The latter is discussed at length given that this particular wavelength regime can be particularly difficult to analyse owing to the problem of the
earths atmospheric transmission at 0.8mm and 0.45mm.
Submm spectra are presented for each source with a discussion of the spectral indices. A statistical analysis has been performed on these indices in an attempt to differentiate any differences between the two classes of object under study. Finally, two existing models are discussed and data from the 1988 flare of the OVV quasar 3C279 is used to test the predictions made by these models. An appendix at the end of the thesis catalogues the sources with their light curves over the epochs for which they were studied.