arXiv subjects

Biplob Sarkar

Publications and source records attributed to Biplob Sarkar.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

X-Ray Timing Properties of the Black Hole Candidate IGR J17091-3624 During the 2022 Outburst Onset with AstroSat

We present the evolution of rapid X-ray timing variability in the black hole X-ray binary IGR J17091-3624 during the initial phase of its 2022 outburst using a ~3-day-long AstroSat observation. Utilizing the high time-resolution capability of the Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter, we perform a comprehensive study of the evolution of Type-C quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) throughout the observation. The QPO centroid frequency evolves from 3.30 to 7.78 Hz, accompanied by the broad-band noise characteristics. We further investigate the energy dependence of the fractional rms variability and time lags, finding that the fractional rms exhibits a positive energy dependence, with its amplitude evolving throughout the observation, while the time lags exhibit the soft-lag behavior and evolve with QPO frequency. These findings provide important insights into the evolution of geometry of the inner accretion flow during the onset phase of the 2022 outburst of IGR J17091-3624.

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arXiv2025

The Polarized X-ray Universe: Insights and Discoveries

Polarization is one of the fundamental natures of electromagnetic radiation. The detection of polarization or polarized photons from distant X-ray radiating systems (such as X-ray binaries (XBs), active galactic nuclei (AGN), pulsars, and stars) complements the timing, spectral, and imagining analysis to better understand the physical mechanisms taking place in these sources. Polarization has enhanced the understanding of the internal geometry of these systems and their vicinity. Polarized X-rays can be generated either directly through non-thermal physical processes in the presence of a magnetic field(B) or through the scattering of unpolarized thermal radiation within plasma structures such as an accretion disk. X-ray polarization can measure the two important independent parameters, the polarization degree (PD) and polarization angle (PA) of the X-ray photons. These parameters are crucial as they reveal the characteristics of particles in such a strong magnetic and gravitational field. In this chapter, we have discussed (i) the basic idea of polarization, (ii) some distant sources radiating polarized X-ray photons, (iii) missions dedicated to observing polarized X-ray photons, and (iv) recent breakthroughs and upcoming missions.

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arXiv2025

Multifaceted Accretion: The Interplay of Turbulence, Resistivity, Thermal Transport, and Dust around Black Holes

Accretion near black holes (BHs) is multidimensional, with turbulence, resistivity, thermal transport, and dust dynamics all playing essential roles. In cold accretion discs (ADs) or the region of an AD where magnetic fields (MFs) are negligible (or absent), hydrodynamic (HD) turbulence is probably dominating. However, Magneto-rotational instability (MRI) is the primary cause of turbulence in ADs. Significant velocity variations and rapid pressure changes are characteristics of turbulent flows, which allow better mixing and more angular momentum (AM) and energy transfer. Also, in accretion flow (AF), the interaction between turbulence and resistivity determines the efficiency of energy dissipation and heat transfer. Radiation, convection, and thermal conduction (TC) are the heat transport modes existing in AFs, where TC enables energy transfer in accreting materials via heat flux. Moreover, convection, also generated by turbulence, significantly impacts the stability of the AD and its vertical structure. The disc may be affected by radiation from the AD surrounding the BH when X-ray emission occurs. The emission from the disc is also affected by dust particles. Dust grains near BH are exposed to high temperatures and intense radiation, which might affect the flow characteristics, as seen in Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). This chapter highlights the combined effect of turbulence, resistivity, transport mechanisms, and dust particles on BH AF. Future studies in this field must thoroughly investigate how dust, transport mechanisms, and turbulence interact in the BH accretion system.

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arXiv2025

An Overview of the Effect of Self-Gravity on the Structure of Accretion Discs

In astrophysical systems like X-ray binaries (XRBs), active galactic nuclei (AGN), and young stellar objects (YSOs), we often observe a very fundamental structure called accretion discs(ADs). Conventional AD theory usually supposes that the gravitational field is controlled by a central compact object. This assumption breaks down when the mass of the disc becomes considerable in contrast to that of the massive central object. In these cases, the AD's self-gravity (SG) can drastically change its structure, dynamics, and evolution. This review investigates how SG influences the radial and vertical structure of ADs and how it modifies the mechanisms that transport angular momentum (AM). Along with these, this review also tries to explore how gravitational instabilities (GIs) evolve and how they affect disc fragmentation and astrophysical phenomena like stellar and planetary formation, AGN dynamics, and gamma-ray bursts (GRBs).

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arXiv2025

An Overview of Rossby Wave Instability in Accretion Discs surrounding Black Holes

The Rossby Wave Instability (RWI) has become an important concept in understanding the hydrodynamics (HDs) of accretion discs (ADs), especially in systems around black holes (BHs) where magnetic effects are either weak or absent. This instability is triggered by extrema (or sharp gradients) in the vortensity profile of the disc. Once activated, it leads to non-axisymmetric disturbances that can grow into large-scale vortices. These vortices play a significant role in the outward transport of angular momentum (AM). They may also help explain the presence of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) observed in certain astrophysical systems such as X-ray binaries (XRBs). Here we review the main theoretical ideas behind RWI, as well as findings from more advanced three-dimensional (3D) and relativistic simulations. We also mention how the theory has been extended to include magnetic fields and self-gravity(SG) and what these results might imply for actual observations.

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arXiv2025

Probing the energy-dependent temporal nature of MAXI J1803-298 with AstroSat and NICER

We performed the spectral and temporal analysis of MAXI J1803-298 using AstroSat/LAXPC and NICER observations taken in May 2021 during the initial phase of the outburst. We found that the source traverses through the hard, intermediate, and soft spectral states during the outburst. The spectrum in all states can be described using soft emissions from the thermal disk and hard emissions from the coronal regions. The variation in the inner disk temperature and normalization of the disk indicates the motion of the truncated disk across these different spectral states. We confirmed the presence of broad features, Type-C, and Type-B QPOs in the power spectra of different spectral states. We investigated the fractional rms and lags of all the variability features and discovered that the lag swung between positive and negative during the outburst evolution. While modeling the features with a simple model that considers variations in accretion parameters such as the accretion rate, heating rate, and inner disk radius, along with delays between them, we found a dynamic reversal in the origin of variability between the corona and the disk. Furthermore, our results are consistent with previous works and a radio study conducted on this source during its outburst.

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arXiv2025

Energy-dependent temporal study of GX 13+1 with AstroSat observation

In this work, we performed an energy-dependent study of low-frequency oscillations observed in GX 13+1 using \textit{AstroSat} (Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter and Soft X-ray Telescope). The hardness-intensity diagram (HID) of the observation resembles a `$\nu$'-shaped track, while the color-color diagram exhibits a `$<$'-shaped track, similar to the horizontal and normal branches of the Z source. We conducted flux-resolved temporal studies focusing on low-frequency variability and divided the HID into five regions: A, B, C, D, and E. Low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) were detected in Regions A, B, and C. The QPO in Region A has a frequency of $5.06^{+0.54}_{-0.48}$ Hz with a quality factor (Q-factor) of 2.80. In Region B, the QPO was detected at $4.52^{+0.14}_{-0.13}$ Hz with a Q-factor of 5.79, while in Region C, it was observed at $4.70^{+0.62}_{-0.42}$ Hz with a Q-factor of 4.35. The QPO frequencies, Q-factors, and low root-mean-square (rms) values (1.32\%, 1.34\%, and 0.7\%) suggest that these oscillations are Normal Branch Oscillations, similar to those reported in GX 340+0. We modeled the rms and lag of the QPOs using a propagative model, considering variations in blackbody temperature, coronal heating rate, and optical depth. Our findings indicate that the observed QPOs are likely driven by interactions between the corona and variations in the blackbody temperature.

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arXiv2025

Spectral evolution of GX 17+2 using AstroSat and NICER observations

We study the spectral evolution of the Z-track source GX 17+2 using AstroSat and NICER observations taken between 2016 and 2020. The AstroSat observations cover the period when the source is in the normal branch (NB) and the flaring branch (FB), while for the NICER ones the variability can be associated with the FB branch. The source spectra at different regions of the branches are well described by accretion disk emission, blackbody surface emission and a thermal Comptonization component. In the NB, the total bolometric unabsorbed flux remains constant and the variation is due to changes in the Comptonization, disk fluxes. In particular, the inferred luminosity ($L_{\rm T}$) and accretion rate ($\dot M$) remain constant, while there is significant variation in the inner disk radii and fraction of disk photons entering the corona, indicating changes in the geometry of the system. On the other hand, in the FB, there is significant variation in luminosity from $\sim 4.0$ to $\sim 7.0 \times 10^{38}$ ergs s$^{-1}$. Despite this significant variation in luminosity and in the inner disk radii, the accretion efficiency defined as $\eta = L_{\rm T}/{\dot M} c^2$, remains nearly constant at $\sim 0.20$ throughout the evolution of the source, as expected for a neutron star system.

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arXiv2025

Thermal Conduction and Thermal-Driven Winds in Magnetized Viscous Accretion Disk Dynamics

This paper investigates the effects of saturated thermal conduction (TC) and thermal-driven winds (TDWs) on magnetized advection-dominated accretion onto a rotating black hole (BH). We incorporate dissipative processes in the magnetized accretion flow and expect the accretion disk to be threaded by predominantly toroidal and turbulent magnetic fields. We solve the magnetohydrodynamics equations and construct a self-consistent steady model of the magnetized accretion flow surrounding a rotating BH, which includes TC and TDWs. We seek global accretion solutions spanning from the BH horizon to a large distance and analyze the solution's characteristics as a function of dissipation parameters. Accretion solutions with multiple critical points may exhibit shock waves if they meet the standing shock criteria. We found steady, global transonic, and shocked accretion solutions around the rotating BH. In particular, the wind parameter ($m$) and the saturated conduction parameter ($\Phi_{\rm s}$) significantly influence the dynamical behavior of shocks. The shock location moves away from the BH horizon as $\Phi_{\rm s}$ and $m$ increase, assuming fixed conditions at the disk's outer edge. Our formalism explains the declining phase of BH outbursts, characterized by a monotonic decrease in QPO frequency as the burst decays. Based on our findings, we conclude that the combined effect of $\Phi_{\rm s}$ and $m$ parameters substantially alters the steady shock specific energy vs angular momentum parameter space and also modifies the corresponding post-shock luminosity vs QPO frequency parameter space. We propose, based on our theoretical model, that the $\Phi_{\rm s}$ and $m$ parameters may significantly influence the evolution of the BH outbursts.

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arXiv2024

Relativistic Accretors and High Energy X-Ray view

Relativistic accretors are cosmic objects that pull matter from their surroundings at speeds almost equal to the light's speed. Because of the tremendous gravitational force from the accretors and the angular momentum of infalling material, which often result in discs of gas and dust that are heated to extremely high temperatures. We encounter strong radiation throughout the electromagnetic spectrum, including intense X-rays. The X-ray view provides a unique window into the behavior of accretors. In this review, we discuss different accretors, particularly binaries, and their origin, involved mechanisms, and properties, including energy spectra and the variability of X-rays from the accretors. This X-ray perspective gives a unique insight into the evolution and connections of these systems with their environment. Future research in this area is necessary to fully understand the process underlying X-ray emission from relativistic accretors.

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arXiv2024

An Overview of Numerical Simulations in Accretion Physics

Accretion physics studies the process of gravitational capture of ambient matter by massive stars. The background processes are very challenging to observe and measure due to the extreme conditions in these systems. Numerical simulations play a crucial role in accretion physics because they provide the only practical method to model the complex processes occurring in accretion disks. In this review, we outline different branches of numerical simulations, such as hydrodynamic simulations, magnetohydrodynamic simulations, and Monte-Carlo simulations, and their methodology, and we discuss possible implications for modeling accretion physics around black holes, neutron stars, and protoplanetary disks.

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arXiv2024

Accretion Disc Outbursts and Stability Analysis

Accretion disc outbursts are re-occurring events observed in various astrophysical systems, including X-ray binaries and cataclysmic variables. These outbursts are characterized by a sudden increase in luminosity due to various instabilities in the accretion disc. We need to investigate the time-dependent accretion flow models to understand the mechanisms driving these outbursts. Time-dependent models incorporate the disc's time evolution and can capture the build-up of instabilities. This review aims to give a basic overview of accretion disc outburst and stability analysis. The paper highlights the necessity of considering the hierarchy of different timescales, dynamical, viscous, and thermal, when investigating the instabilities occurring in the accretion disc. The importance and observational implications of studying these accretion disc outbursts are also discussed.

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arXiv2024

Spectro-temporal study of atoll source GX 9+9 observed with AstroSat

In this work, we performed a spectro-temporal investigation of the low-mass X-ray binary GX 9+9 using the Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) and Soft X- ray Telescope (SXT) observation on board AstroSat. The source was detected in the soft state during the observation, which results in a disk dominating energy spectrum within the energy range of 0.7-25.0 keV. We carried out the analysis at different flux levels. In the temporal analysis, LAXPC data in all flux levels showed the presence of noise components, describing broad Lorentzian components. We modeled the energy-dependent temporal properties of the source in order to identify the radiative origin of the observed variability. This source is not a well-studied source; hence we attempt to estimate various source characteristics like inner-disk radius, flux, and inner-disk temperature.

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arXiv2024

X-Ray spectral and temporal properties of LMXB 4U 1608-52- observed with AstroSat and NICER

We report results from a detailed study of the neutron star X-ray binary, 4U 1608-52 using observations with {\it AstroSat} (LAXPC/SXT) and {\it NICER} during its 2016 and 2020 outbursts. The 0.7--20.0 keV spectra could be well described with the disk blackbody and thermal Comptonization model. The best-fitting inner disk temperature is $\sim$ 1 keV and radius { $\sim$ 22.17$^{+2.57}_{-2.38}$--27.19$^{+2.03}_{-1.85}$} km and no significant evolution was observed in the disk radius after performing flux and time-resolved spectroscopy. We used a multi-Lorentzian approach to fit the power density spectra and obtained broad-band noise variability. We estimated the energy-dependent fractional root mean square and time-lag of the broad-band noise, and these variations are quantitatively modelled as being due to the coherent variation of the disk emission and the coronal heating rate. Thus, the rapid temporal modeling is consistent with the longer term spectral evolution where the inner disk radius does not vary, and instead the variations can be attributed to accretion rate variations which changes the inner disk temperature and the coronal heating rate.

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arXiv2022

AstroSat observation of rapid Type-I thermonuclear burst from the low mass X-ray binary GX 3+1

We report the results of an observation of low mass X-ray binary GX 3+1 with {\it AstroSat}'s Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) and Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) instruments on-board for the first time. We have detected one Type-1 thermonuclear burst ($\sim$ 15 s) present in the LAXPC 20 light curve, with a double peak feature at higher energies and our study of the hardness-intensity diagram reveals that the source was in a soft banana state. The pre-burst emission could be described well by a thermally Comptonised model component. The burst spectra is modelled adopting a time-resolved spectroscopic method using a single color blackbody model added to the pre-burst model, to monitor the parametric changes as the burst decays. Based on our time-resolved spectroscopy, we claim that the detected burst is a photospheric radius expansion (PRE) burst. During the PRE phase, the blackbody flux is found to be approximately constant at an averaged value $\sim$ 2.56 in $10^{-8}$ ergs s$^{-1}$ cm$^{-2}$ units. On the basis of literature survey, we infer that \textit{AstroSat}/LAXPC 20 has detected a burst from GX 3+1 after more than a decade which is also a PRE one. Utilising the burst parameters obtained, we provide a new estimation to the source distance, which is $\sim$ 9.3 $\pm$ 0.4 kpc, calculated for an isotropic burst emission. Finally, we discuss and compare our findings with the published literature reports.

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arXiv2019

Effect of magnetic flux advection on the dynamics of shock in accretion flow around a rotating black hole

We investigate the dynamical behaviour of a magnetized, dissipative, accretion flow around a rapidly rotating black hole. We solve the magnetohydrodynamic equations and calculate the transonic accretion solutions which may contain discontinuous shock transitions. We investigate the effect of $ζ-$ parameter (parametrizing the radial variation of the toroidal magnetic flux advection rate) on the dynamical behaviour of shocks. For a rapidly rotating black hole and for fixed injection parameters at the outer edge, we show that stationary shocks are sustained in the global magnetized accretion solutions for a wide range of $ζ$ and accretion rate ($\dot{m}$). To investigate the observational implications, we consider dissipative shocks and estimate the maximum accessible energy from the post-shock corona (PSC) for nine stellar mass black hole candidates. We compare this with the observed radio jet kinetic power reported in the literature, whenever available. We find close agreement between the estimated values from our model with those reported in the literature.

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arXiv2018

Standing shocks in magnetized advection accretion flows onto a rotating black hole

We present the global structure of magnetized advective accretion flow around the rotating black holes in presence of dissipation. By considering accretion flow to be threaded by toroidal magnetic fields and by assuming synchrotron radiative mechanism to be the dominant cooling process, we obtain global transonic accretion solutions in terms of dissipation parameters, such as viscosity ($α_B$), accretion rate (${\dot m}$) and plasma-$β$, respectively. In the rotating magnetized accretion flow, centrifugal barrier is developed in the nearby region of the black hole that triggers the discontinuous shock transition in the flow variables. Evidently, the shock properties and the dynamics of the post-shock flow (hereafter post-shock corona (PSC)) are being governed by the flow parameters. We study the role of dissipation parameters in the formation of standing shock wave and find that global shocked accretion solutions exist both in gas pressure dominated flows and in magnetic pressure dominated flows. In addition, we observe that standing shock continues to form around the rapidly rotating black holes as well. We identify the range of dissipation parameters that permits shocked accretion solutions and find that standing shocks continue to form even in presence of high dissipation limit, although the likelihood of shock formation diminishes with the increase of dissipation. Further, we compute the critical accretion rate (${\dot m}^{\rm cri}$) that admits shock and observe that standing shock exists in a magnetically dominated accretion flow when the accretion rate lies in general in the sub-Eddington domain. At the end, we calculate the maximum dissipated energy that may be escaped from the PSC and indicate its possible implication in the astrophysical context.

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arXiv2017

Standing Shocks in Magnetized Dissipative Accretion Flow around Black Holes

We explore the global structure of the accretion flow around a Schwarzschild black hole where the accretion disc is threaded by toroidal magnetic fields. The accretion flow is optically thin and advection dominated. Synchrotron radiation is considered to be the active cooling mechanism in the flow. With this, we obtain the global transonic accretion solutions and show that centrifugal barrier in the rotating magnetized accretion flow causes a discontinuous transition of the flow variables in the form of shock waves. The shock properties and the dynamics of the post-shock corona are affected by the flow parameters such as viscosity, cooling rate and strength of the magnetic fields. The shock properties are investigated against these flow parameters. We further show that for given set of boundary parameters at the outer edge of the disc, accretion flow around a black hole admits shock when the flow parameters are tuned for a considerable range.

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