Abstract:
Based on a recently started programme, we report the first search for intranight optical variabil-
ity (INOV) among radio-quiet ‘weak-line-quasars’ (RQWLQs). Eight members of this class
were observed on 13 nights in the R band, such that each source was monitored continuously at
least once for a minimum duration of about 3.5 h, using the recently installed 130-cm telescope
at Devasthal, India. Statistical analysis of the differential light curves was carried out using
two versions of the F test. Based on the INOV data acquired so far, the RQWLQ population
appears to exhibit stronger INOV activity as compared to the general population of radio-quiet
quasars, but similar to the INOV known for radio-loud quasars of non-blazar type. To improve
upon this early result, as well as extend the comparison to blazars, a factor of ∼2 improvement
in the INOV detection threshold would be needed. Such efforts are underway, motivated by
the objective to search for the elusive radio-quiet blazars using INOV observations.