Argen Gian Detoito | Searcharxiv

arXiv2026

Galactic Electron-Positron Annihilation Emission from X-Ray Binaries with Transient and Persistent Jets

The Galactic Center exhibits a persistent 0.511 MeV emission characteristic of electron-positron annihilation. Various astrophysical sources may be responsible for supplying the positrons, yet their contributions with respect to the total annihilation rate is uncertain. X-ray binaries have historically been a primary candidate, possibly contributing a significant fraction of the Galactic positrons. X-ray binaries can produce positrons through the Blandford-Znajek mechanism, two-photon pair production in the corona, and/or one-photon pair production for strongly-magnetized compact objects. These positrons may then be channeled into the Interstellar Medium through jets or winds. In this work, we argue that X-ray binaries cannot contribute to the electron-positron annihilation flux alone. We present 0.511 MeV line fluxes and all-sky maps produced by X-ray binaries and stellar flares from the Galactic stellar population, along with the gamma-ray continuum from positrons produced by X-ray binaries. To do so, we solve the particle transfer equation using Green's functions. The total morphology is slightly asymmetric towards negative longitudes and positive latitudes. We find five 0.511 MeV flux hotspots in the generated all sky maps and scrutinize the contribution of individual sources to these hotspots. Observations of these hotspots can reveal the contribution of X-ray binaries to the Galactic positrons. The upcoming Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) mission could image a hotspot near Cygnus X-1. The detection of the other hotspots requires a telescope with improved arcminute angular resolution.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Design of a mission to measure the shape and substructure of the 511 keV gamma-ray line from the center of the Milky Way

The 511 keV electron-positron annihilation feature near the galactic center has been detected for more than half a century, yet its origin remains a mystery. In this paper, we describe a concept for a balloon-borne 511 keV $γ$-ray mission called the 511-Spectrometer Mission. The mission will use Transition-Edge Sensor (TES) arrays with thick metal absorbers that are thermally coupled to the TES. The strength of the approach is a projected energy resolution of 200 eV Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) at 511 keV, enabling detailed studies of the shape and substructure of the 511 keV emission from the galactic center region. A first mission equipped with 8,192 $γ$-ray detectors and a fully active shield and collimator could detect the galactic center with ~35 $σ$ statistical significance. We present the mission concept as well as first results obtained with a prototype detector equipped with $1.35\times1.35\times2$ mm$^{3}$ Bi absorbers. The detector has a quantum efficiency of 15% for 511 keV photons in photoelectric effect interactions. In tests with a $^{137}$Cs source, these prototype detectors show an energy resolution of 525 eV FWHM at 662 keV. We end with a discussion of follow-up missions that use coded mask imaging, or use concentrating or focusing optics to scrutinize the sources of 511 keV $γ$-rays on smaller angular scales.

astro-ph.IM↗