Leptonic Jet Models of Blazars: Broadband Spectra and Spectral Variability

Abstract

The current status of leptonic jet models for gamma-ray blazars is reviewed. Differences between the quasar and BL-Lac subclasses of blazars may be understood in terms of the dominance of different radiation mechanisms in the gamma-ray regime. Spectral variability patterns of different blazar subclasses appear to be significantly different and require different intrinsic mechanisms causing gamma-ray flares. As examples, recent results of long-term multiwavelength monitoring of PKS 0528+134 and Mrk 501 are interpreted in the framework of leptonic jet models. A simple quasi-analytic toy model for broadband spectral variability of blazars is presented.