SSA spectrum

logF

logn

n

SSA

Optically-thick regime

Optically-thin

n

a

n lies at the point where the observed synchrotron flux equals the blackbody limit.

a

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version

At an observed frequency nu_a, the observed synchrotron flux equals the blac body limit. Below nu_a then, the source becomes optically-thick (ie blackbody like) and the spectrum turns over, following the Rayleigh-Jeans tail.