scholarly journals X-ray Emission from Hot DA White Dwarfs; EXOSAT Results, and Implications for Atmospheric Models

1989 ◽  
Vol 114 ◽  
pp. 198-201
Author(s):  
Frits Paerels ◽  
John Heise
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Uncertainty ◽  
Effective Temperature ◽  
White Dwarfs ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Model Calculations ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Transmission Grating ◽  
Upper Limit ◽  
Optical Flux

AbstractWe present the observations of the photospheric X-ray spectra of hot DA white dwarfs, obtained with the 500 lines mm−1 Transmission Grating Spectrometer on EXOSAT. These spectra cover the full soft X-ray band, at high wavelength resolution and statistical quality. They allow us to do an accurate measurement of the photospheric parameters, particularly of effective temperature and chemical composition of the atmosphere.We consider the case of HZ 43 in some detail. Model atmospheric spectra that satisfy all measured absolute optical, UV and X-ray fluxes turn out not to fit the shape of the measured X-ray spectrum. However, from a comparison of model spectra calculated with different model atmospheres codes we infer the existence of a 15% systematic uncertainty in the model fluxes at the shortest wavelengths (λ < 100 Å) in current model calculations. This can explain the fitting problem. Since the systematic uncertainty in the models is larger than the statistical uncertainty in the shape of the measured X-ray spectrum of HZ 43, we cannot at present use this measured shape to derive the effective temperature and gravity. We revert to broad band photometry, using the measured integrated soft X-ray flux and the optical flux, to determine Te = 45,000 – 54,000K, R/R⊙ = 0.0140 – 0.0165. From the absence of the He II Ly edge at 227 Å in the measured spectrum, we set a upper limit on the photospheric helium abundance of He/H = 1.0 × 10−5; this upper limit is independent of the uncertainties in the model calculations mentioned above.

scholarly journals Strrtified Model Atmospheres for Hot Da White Dvhrfs

1989 ◽  
Vol 114 ◽  
pp. 368-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Vennes ◽  
G. Fontaine ◽  
F. Wesemael
Keyword(s):  
Outer Layer ◽  
Effective Temperature ◽  
White Dwarfs ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Pure Hydrogen ◽  
Helium Abundance ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Positive Correlation

Observations of hot DA white dwarfs in the EUV/soft X-ray range have revealed that, in a majority of cases, the detected flux is less than that expected from pure hydrogen atmospheres. This implies an extra opacity source which must be due to the presence of small traces of heavier elements. These elements are generally not spectroscopically detected in hot DA white dwarfs, but the large sensitivity of the EUV/soft X-ray broad-band flux to the presence of extra absorbers can be used with profit to Infer their abundances. For simplicity, it has been assumed that only helium provides the required opacity source in the majority of the analyses carried out so far. In this context, Vennes et al. (1988a) have recently reviewed in details the mechanisms that could be responsible for the presence of small traces of helium in the atmospheres of hot DA white dwarfs. They favor a model in which these stars are interpreted as stratified objects with an outer layer of hydrogen which is sufficiently thick that radiation in the visible escapes only from H-rich regions, and yet sufficiently thin that the EUV/soft X-ray radiation escapes from deeper layers, polluted by the tail of the helium distribution which extends upwards. This model accounts naturally for the positive correlation observed between the inferred helium abundance and the effective temperature in hot DA stars studied at short wavelengths. If the model is correct, hot DA white dwarfs as a class must have very thin outer hydrogen layers with estimated masses in the range–13 > log q(H) = log (M(H)/M) > –15.

scholarly journals Broad-band spectral energy distribution of the X-ray transient Swift J1745−26 from outburst to quiescence

2020 ◽  
Vol 637 ◽  
pp. A2
Author(s):  
Sylvain Chaty ◽  
Francis Fortin ◽  
Alicia López-Oramas
Keyword(s):  
Energy Distribution ◽  
Light Curve ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Upper Limit ◽  
Spectral Break ◽  
Hard State ◽  
Low Mass

Aims. We aim to analyse our study of the X-ray transient Swift J1745−26, using observations obtained from its outburst in September 2012, up to its decay towards quiescence in March 2013. Methods. We obtained optical and infrared observations, through override programme at ESO/VLT with FORS2 and ISAAC instruments, and added archival optical (VLT/VIRCAM), radio and X-ray (Swift) observations, to build the light curve and the broad-band spectral energy distribution (SED) of Swift J1745−26. Results. We show that, during its outburst and also during its decay towards quiescence, Swift J1745−26 SED can be adjusted, from infrared up to X-rays, by the sum of both a viscous irradiated multi-colour black body emitted by an accretion disc, and a synchrotron power law at high energy. In the radio domain, the SED arises from synchrotron emission from the jet. While our SED fitting confirms that the source remained in the low/hard state during its outburst, we determine an X-ray spectral break at frequency 3.1 ≤ νbreak ≤ 3.4 × 1014 Hz, and a radio spectral break at 1012 Hz ≤ νbreak ≤ 1013 Hz. We also show that the system is compatible with an absorption AV of ∼7.69 mag, lies within a distance interval of D ∼ [2.6 − 4.8] kpc with an upper limit of orbital period Porb = 11.3 h, and that the companion star is a late spectral type in the range K0–M0 V, confirming that the system is a low-mass X-ray binary. We finally plot the position of Swift J1745−26 on an optical-infrared – X-ray luminosity diagram: its localisation on this diagram is consistent with the source staying in the low-hard state during outburst and decay phases. Conclusions. By using new observations obtained at ESO/VLT with FORS2 and ISAAC, and adding archival optical (VLT/VIRCAM), radio and X-ray (Swift) observations, we built the light curve and the broad-band SED of Swift J1745−26, and we plotted its position on an optical-infrared – X-ray luminosity diagram. By fitting the SED, we characterized the emission of the source from infrared, via optical, up to X-ray domain, we determined the position of both the radio and X-ray spectral breaks, we confirmed that it remained in the low-hard state during outburst and decay phases, and we derived its absorption, distance interval, orbital period upper limit, and the late-type nature of companion star, confirming Swift J1745−26 is a low-mass X-ray binary.

The Effect of CNO Metal Abundances on the Soft X-Ray Emission from He Rich White Dwarfs

1989 ◽  
Vol 114 ◽  
pp. 202-205
Author(s):  
M.A. Barstow
Keyword(s):  
Effective Temperature ◽  
Planetary Nebula ◽  
White Dwarfs ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Metal Abundances

AbstractPredicted soft X-ray fluxes for model atmospheres containing varying concentrations of CNO metals are compared with those observed by EXOSAT for the planetary nebula nucleus K1-16. An effective temperature in the range ≈ 125000 − 180000K is determined for K1-16 and a limit on the concentration of CNO in the atmosphere (between 0.02 and 20 ×solar relative to He) obtained. Some comments on the application of the models to the apparently metal rich star H1504+65 are included.

scholarly journals Study of the reflection spectrum of the bright atoll source GX 3 + 1 with NuSTAR

2019 ◽  
Vol 487 (4) ◽  
pp. 5441-5449
Author(s):  
Aditya S Mondal ◽  
G C Dewangan ◽  
B Raychaudhuri
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Accretion Rate ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Upper Limit ◽  
Reflection Model ◽  
Single Temperature ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
October 17 ◽  
Spectral State

ABSTRACT We report on the NuSTAR observation of the atoll type neutron star (NS) low-mass X-ray binary GX 3 + 1 performed on 2017 October 17. The source was found in a soft X-ray spectral state with 3–70 keV luminosity of LX ∼ 3 × 1037 erg s−1 (${\sim } 16{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the Eddington luminosity), assuming a distance of 6 kpc. A positive correlation between intensity and hardness ratio suggests that the source was in the banana branch during this observation. The broad-band 3–70 keV NuSTAR spectral data can be described by a two-component continuum model consisting of a disc blackbody (kTdisc ∼ 1.8 keV) and a single temperature blackbody model (kTbb ∼ 2.7 keV). The spectrum shows a clear and robust indication of relativistic reflection from the inner disc which is modelled with a self-consistent relativistic reflection model. The accretion disc is viewed at an inclination of i ≃ 22°–26° and extended close to the NS, down to $R_\text{in}=(1.2\!-\!1.8) R_\text{ISCO}\:(\simeq 6.1\!-\!9.1\, R_{\mathrm{ g}}\: \text{or}\: 14\!-\!20.5$ km) which allows an upper limit on the NS radius (≤13.5 km). Based on the measured flux and the mass accretion rate, the maximum radial extension for the boundary layer is estimated to be ∼6.3 Rg from the NS surface. However, if the disc is not truncated by the boundary layer but by the magnetosphere, an estimated upper limit on the polar magnetic field would be of B ≤ 6 × 108 G.

scholarly journals Simulating AXAF Grating Spectra of Accreting White Dwarfs

1998 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allyn F. Tennant ◽  
Kinwah Wu ◽  
Stephen L. O'Dell ◽  
Martin C. Weisskopf
Keyword(s):  
White Dwarf ◽  
White Dwarfs ◽  
Accretion Rate ◽  
Cataclysmic Variables ◽  
High Energy ◽  
High Spectral Resolution ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Transmission Grating ◽  
Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables ◽  
Very High

AbstractWe present simulated AXAF spectra of accreting white dwarfs, using parameters appropriate for magnetic cataclysmic variables. The very high spectral resolution that can be obtained with the High-Energy Transmission Grating of AXAF can resolve the keV X-ray emission lines that characterise the temperature, density and velocity profiles of the shock-heated emission regions of these systems. These simulations demonstrate that actual spectra will allow us to place constraints on the white-dwarf mass and the accretion rate of the systems. The high-resolution spectra also allow the measurement of the velocity of the accretion flow in regions close to the white-dwarf surface.

scholarly journals Turbulent Sound Generation in Red Dwarf Stars

1983 ◽  
Vol 71 ◽  
pp. 605-608
Author(s):  
H.U. Bonn
Keyword(s):  
Current Model ◽  
Solar Chromosphere ◽  
Sound Generation ◽  
Dwarf Star ◽  
Dwarf Stars ◽  
Model Calculations ◽  
Red Dwarf Stars

Since the acoustic heating theory (c.f. Ulmschneider 1979) has been proven successful for the solar chromosphere, it was common practice to extend this concept to other stars. However, as it appeares from observed chromospheric and coronal emissions, the usual theoretical acoustic fluxes for red dwarf star, particularly, are too small to account for the heating of chromospheres and coronae (e.g. Blanco et al 1974; Vaiana et al, 198l) . It is therefore the intention of this paper to discuss improvements on the current model calculations for turbulent sound generation from outer convection zones.

scholarly journals X-Ray Determination of the Black-Hole Mass in Cygnus X-1

1998 ◽  
Vol 188 ◽  
pp. 388-389
Author(s):  
A. Kubota ◽  
K. Makishima ◽  
T. Dotani ◽  
H. Inoue ◽  
K. Mitsuda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Compact Object ◽  
Optical Observations ◽  
Black Hole Mass ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Upper Limit ◽  
Supergiant Star ◽  
X Ray Binaries ◽  
Two Bodies

About 10 X-ray binaries in our Galaxy and LMC/SMC are considered to contain black hole candidates (BHCs). Among these objects, Cyg X-1 was identified as the first BHC, and it has led BHCs for more than 25 years(Oda 1977, Liang and Nolan 1984). It is a binary system composed of normal blue supergiant star and the X-ray emitting compact object. The orbital kinematics derived from optical observations indicates that the compact object is heavier than ~ 4.8 M⊙ (Herrero 1995), which well exceeds the upper limit mass for a neutron star(Kalogora 1996), where we assume the system consists of only two bodies. This has been the basis for BHC of Cyg X-1.

New Stigmatic Mounting Of Holographic Concave Transmission Grating For X-ray And XUV Spectroscopy

1980 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 41-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahipal Singh ◽  
Shyam Singh ◽  
K. K. Mehta ◽  
R. S. Kasana
Keyword(s):  
X Ray ◽  
Transmission Grating ◽  
Xuv Spectroscopy

scholarly journals Urca nuclide production in Type-I X-ray bursts and implications for nuclear physics studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 500 (3) ◽  
pp. 2958-2968
Author(s):  
Grant Merz ◽  
Zach Meisel
Keyword(s):  
Light Curve ◽  
Nuclear Reaction ◽  
Nuclear Physics ◽  
Thermal Structure ◽  
Reaction Rates ◽  
High Mass ◽  
Type I ◽  
Model Calculations ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Lower Temperature

ABSTRACT The thermal structure of accreting neutron stars is affected by the presence of urca nuclei in the neutron star crust. Nuclear isobars harbouring urca nuclides can be produced in the ashes of Type I X-ray bursts, but the details of their production have not yet been explored. Using the code MESA, we investigate urca nuclide production in a one-dimensional model of Type I X-ray bursts using astrophysical conditions thought to resemble the source GS 1826-24. We find that high-mass (A ≥ 55) urca nuclei are primarily produced late in the X-ray burst, during hydrogen-burning freeze-out that corresponds to the tail of the burst light curve. The ∼0.4–0.6 GK temperature relevant for the nucleosynthesis of these urca nuclides is much lower than the ∼1 GK temperature most relevant for X-ray burst light curve impacts by nuclear reaction rates involving high-mass nuclides. The latter temperature is often assumed for nuclear physics studies. Therefore, our findings alter the excitation energy range of interest in compound nuclei for nuclear physics studies of urca nuclide production. We demonstrate that for some cases this will need to be considered in planning for nuclear physics experiments. Additionally, we show that the lower temperature range for urca nuclide production explains why variations of some nuclear reaction rates in model calculations impacts the burst light curve but not local features of the burst ashes.

Exploring the X-ray universe via timing: mass of the active galactic nucleus black hole XMMUJ134736.6+173403

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (S356) ◽  
pp. 348-350
Author(s):  
Eva Šrámková ◽  
K. Goluchová ◽  
G. Török ◽  
Marek A. Abramowicz ◽  
Z. Stuchlík ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Frequency Ratio ◽  
Active Galactic Nucleus ◽  
Periodic Modulation ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Upper Limit ◽  
M 10 ◽  
Frequency Ratios ◽  
Quasiperiodic Oscillations ◽  
Twin Peak

AbstractA strong quasi-periodic modulation has recently been revealed in the X-ray flux of the X-ray source XMMUJ134736.6+173403. The two observed twin-peak quasiperiodic oscillations (QPOs) exhibit a 3:1 frequency ratio and strongly support the evidence for the presence of an active galactic nucleus black hole (AGN BH). It has been suggested that detections of twin-peak QPOs with commensurable frequency ratios and scaling of their periods with BH mass could provide the basis for a method intended to determine the mass of BH sources, such as AGNs. Assuming the orbital origin of QPOs, we calculate the upper and lower limit on the AGN BH mass M, reaching M ≍ 107–109M⊙. Compared to mass estimates of other sources, XMMUJ134736.6+173403 appears to be the most massive source with commensurable QPO frequencies, and its mass represents the current observational upper limit on the AGN BH mass obtained from the QPO observations.

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