Microvariability in Blazars

Dr. James R. Webb
Assoc. Prof of Physics
Florida International University
and
Director, SARA Observatory



Abstract

Optical observations with high speed CCDs can now effectively resolve low
amplitude, rapid variations seen in Blazars.  Although variations on the order
of minutes have been observaed for some time, we are only now able to
investigate these variations in detail.  We examine the occurances of these
variations and their relationship to the general flux level in the object.  We
find that the source exhibits microvariability during rapid flux changes, not
during bright or faint states.  Model implications are also discussed.