scholarly journals On the frequency correlations of low-frequency QPOs with kilohertz QPOs in accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars

2019 ◽  
Vol 490 (4) ◽  
pp. 5270-5284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marieke van Doesburgh ◽  
Michiel van der Klis

ABSTRACT We investigate frequency correlations of low frequency (LF, <80 Hz) and kHz quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) using the complete RXTE data sets on six accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars (AMXPs) and compare them to those of non-pulsating neutron star (NS) low-mass X-ray binaries with known spin. For the AMXPs SAX J1808.4−3658 and XTE J1807−294, we find frequency-correlation power-law indices that, surprisingly, are significantly lower than in the non-pulsars, and consistent with the relativistic precession model (RPM) prediction of 2.0 appropriate to test-particle orbital and Lense–Thirring precession frequencies. As previously reported, power-law normalizations are significantly higher in these AMXPs than in the non-pulsating sources, leading to requirements on the NS specific moment of inertia in this model that cannot be satisfied with realistic equations of state. At least two other AMXPs show frequency correlations inconsistent with those of SAX J1808.4−3658 and XTE J1807−294, and possibly similar to those of the non-pulsating sources; for two AMXPs no conclusions could be drawn. We discuss these results in the context of a model that has had success in black hole (BH) systems involving a torus-like hot inner flow precessing due to (prograde) frame dragging, and a scenario in which additional (retrograde) magnetic and classical precession torques not present in BH systems are also considered. We show that a combination of these interpretations may accommodate our results.

2020 ◽  
Vol 500 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-39
Author(s):  
Kaho Tse ◽  
Duncan K Galloway ◽  
Yi Chou ◽  
Alexander Heger ◽  
Hung-En Hsieh

ABSTRACT Millihertz quasi-periodic oscillations (mHz QPOs) observed in neutron-star low-mass X-ray binaries (NS LMXBs) are generally explained as marginally stable thermonuclear burning on the neutron star surface. We report the discovery of mHz QPOs in an XMM–Newton observation of the transient 1RXS J180408.9−342058, during a regular bursting phase of its 2015 outburst. We found significant periodic signals in the March observation, with frequencies in the range 5–8 $\, \mathrm{mHz}$, superimposed on a strong ∼1/f power-law noise continuum. Neither the QPO signals nor the power-law noise were present during the April observation, which exhibited a 2.5 × higher luminosity and had correspondingly more frequent bursts. When present, the QPO signal power decreases during bursts and disappears afterwards, similar to the behaviour in other sources. 1RXS J180408.9−342058 is the eighth source known to date that exhibits such QPOs driven by thermonuclear burning. We examine the range of properties of the QPO signals in different sources. Whereas the observed oscillation profile is similar to that predicted by numerical models, the amplitudes are significantly higher, challenging their explanation as originating from marginally stable burning.


1987 ◽  
Vol 125 ◽  
pp. 321-331
Author(s):  
M. van der Klis

The properties of the rapid, persistent quasi-periodic oscillations (QPO) discovered with EXOSAT in the X-ray flux of at least 7 bright low-mass X-ray binaries are described. Particular attention is given to the various relations observed between QPO frequency and X-ray intensity, the link between QPO and the low-frequency noise in the X-ray intensity and the bimodal properties of in particular Sco X-1, GX 5-1 and Cyg X-2. The merits of the hypothesis that the QPO indicate the presence of a neutron star with a magnetosphere are considered.


2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 661-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-Yun Wang ◽  
Chang-Yin Huang ◽  
Ding-Xiong Wang ◽  
Jiu-Zhou Wang

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