A model to explain the correlation between the optical and radio properties of high-redshift galaxies

Recent observations indicate that steep-spectrum radio sources are often galaxies at high redshift which have optical and NIR continuum emission originating from a region which is elongated, and the axis of this elongation is the same as that defined by the radio lobes. Such a correlation could arise if the optical and IR emission were the end result of the action of jets tunneling through the ambient gas associated with the galaxy/protogalaxy, leading to two coupled shock systems: a driven shock wave along the jet axis and a blast wave perpendicular to the jet axis. Hence, the action of tunneling jets sends a shock wave perpendicular to the radio jet axis; this not only shock heats the ambient gas, but it also, under appropriate conditions, triggers star formation. 35 refs