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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Why Relativistic Jets Form Suddenly— A Coherence-Based Interpretation of AGN States

Authors: Cobb, Stephen Euin;

Why Relativistic Jets Form Suddenly— A Coherence-Based Interpretation of AGN States

Abstract

Relativistic jets from Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are among the most energetic and coherent structures in the universe, yet several of their defining properties remain poorly understood. While existing models successfully identify rotational energy extraction from spinning black holes and magnetized accretion disks as the power source, they do not fully explain the extreme collimation, long-range coherence, bipolar symmetry, or abrupt onset and quenching of jets. This paper proposes a global coherence perspective in which the black hole–disk–magnetosphere system is treated as a single rotating dynamical structure subject to large-scale organizational constraints. Within this view, jets arise as preferred channels that preserve global coherence when internal rotational stress exceeds a critical threshold. Abrupt AGN state transitions are interpreted as crossings of such coherence thresholds rather than as gradual responses to changing accretion conditions. This framework does not replace magnetohydrodynamic descriptions but clarifies the conditions under which they succeed. The paper derives several observationally testable predictions concerning jet collimation, stability, handedness, and state hysteresis that distinguish global coherence constraints from purely local plasma dynamics.

Keywords

coherence thresholds, bipolar symmetry, Active Galactic Nuclei, internal rotational stress, AGN, jet ignition and quenching, global coherence perspective, long-range stability, abrupt state transitions, relativistic jets

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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