Mid-Infrared Imaging of the Einstein Cross QSO

Eric Agol, Stuart Wyithe, Barbara Jones and Chris Fluke

Abstract

Received 2001 January 21, accepted 2001 March 7

Observations of the Einstein Cross QSO reveal that the mid-infrared region is unaffected by microlensing. Thus, the infrared emission region must be extended on a scale >10¹⁷ cm, ruling out synchrotron models, but consistent with dust emission models. Other constraints rule out starburst models. The flux ratios greatly constrain the lens model.

Keywords: quasars: individual (Q2237+0305)— gravitational lensing— radiation mechanisms: general — infrared: general

Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia 18(2) 166 - 168 (2001) doi:10.1071/AS01015