arXiv subjects

D. Klochkov

Publications and source records attributed to D. Klochkov.

107 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

arXiv2009

Continuous monitoring of pulse period variations in Her X-1 using Swift/BAT

Context: Monitoring of pulse period variations in accreting binary pulsars is an important tool to study the interaction between the magnetosphere of the neutron star and the accretion disk. While the X-ray flux of the brightest X-ray pulsars have been successfully monitored over many years (e.g. with RXTE/ASM, CGRO/BATSE, Swift/BAT), the possibility to monitor their pulse timing properties continuously has so far been very limited. Aims: In our work we show that the Swift/BAT observations can be used to monitor coherent pulsations of bright X-ray sources and use the Swift archival data to study one of the most enigmatic X-ray pulsars, Hercules X-1. A quasi-continuous monitoring of the pulse period and the pulse period derivative of an X-ray pulsar, here Her X-1, is achieved over a long time (<~ 4 yrs). We compare our observational results with predictions of accretion theory and use them to test different aspects of the physical model of the system. Methods: In our analysis we use the data accumulated with Swift/BAT starting from the beginning of 2005 (shortly after launch) until the present time. To search for pulsations and for their subsequent analysis we used the count rate measured by the BAT detector in the entire field of view. Results: The slope of the correlation between the locally determined spin-up rate and the X-ray luminosity is measured for Her X-1 and found to be in agreement with predictions of basic accretion torque theory. The observed behaviour of the pulse period together with the previously measured secular decrease of the system's orbital period is discussed in the frame of a model assuming ejection of matter close to the inner boundary of the accretion disk.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2009

X- and gamma-ray studies of HESS J1731-347 coincident with a newly discovered SNR

In the survey of the Galactic plane conducted with H.E.S.S., many VHE gamma-ray sources were discovered for which no clear counterpart at other wavelengths could be identified. HESS J1731-347 initially belonged to this source class. Recently however, the new shell-type supernova remnant (SNR) G353.6-0.7 was discovered in radio data, positionally coinciding with the VHE source. We will present new X-ray observations that cover a fraction of the VHE source, revealing nonthermal emission that most likely can be interpreted as synchrotron emission from high-energy electrons. This, along with a larger H.E.S.S. data set which comprises more than twice the observation time used in the discovery paper, allows us to test whether the VHE source may indeed be attributed to shell-type emission from that new SNR. If true, this would make HESS J1731-347 a new object in the small but growing class of non-thermal shell-type supernova remnants with VHE emission.

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arXiv2009

Updating the orbital ephemeris of Her X-1; rate of decay and eccentricity of the orbit

We present an update of the orbital ephemeris of the binary X-ray pulsar Her X-1 and determine an improved value for the rate of orbital decay. In addition, we report the first measurement of the orbital eccentricity. We have analyzed pulse timing data of Her X-1 from X-ray observations by RXTE (Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer) and INTEGRAL over the period 1996-2007. Accurate pulse arrival times were determined from solar system bary-centered photon arrival times by generating pulse profiles averaged over appropriately short integration times. Applying pulse phase connection techniques, it was possible to determine sufficiently accurate local ephemeris data for seven observation periods distributed over 12 years. Combining the new local T90 values with historical values from the literature we update the orbital ephemeris of Her X-1 to T90 = MJD 46359.871940(6) and Porb = 1.700167590(2) d and measure a continuous change of the orbital period of dPorb/dt = -(4.85 +/- 0.13) x 10-11 s/s. For the first time, a value for the eccentricity of the orbit of Her X-1 is measured to be e = (4.2 +/- 0.8) x 10-4.

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arXiv2009

INTEGRAL observation of hard X-ray variability of the TeV binary LS5039 / RX J1826.2-1450

LS 5039/RX J1826.2-1450 is one of the few High Mass X-ray binary systems from which radio and high energy TeV emission has been observed. Moreover, variability of the TeV emission with orbital period was detected. We investigate the hard X-ray (25 - 200keV) spectral and timing properties of the source with the monitoring IBIS/ISGRI instrument on-board the INTEGRAL satellite. We present the analysis of INTEGRAL observations for a total of about 3 Msec exposure time, including both public data and data from the Key Programme. We search for flux and spectral variability related to the orbital phase. The source is observed to emit from 25 up to 200 keV and the emission is concentrated around inferior conjunction. Orbital variability in the hard X-ray band is detected and established to be in phase with the orbitally modulated TeV emission observed with H.E.S.S. For this energy range we determine an average flux for the inferior conjunction phase interval of $(3.54 \pm 2.30) \times 10^{-11}$ erg cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$, and a flux upper limit for the superior conjunction phase interval of $1.45 \times 10^{-11}$ erg cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ (90% conf. level respectively). The spectrum for the inferior conjunction phase interval follows a power law with an index $Γ= 2.0^{+0.2}_{-0.2} $ (90% conf. level).

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Two ~35 day clocks in Her X-1: evidence for neutron star free precession

We present evidence for the existence of two ~35 day clocks in the Her X-1/HZ Her binary system. ~35 day modulations are observed 1) in the Turn-On cycles with two on- and two off-states, and 2) in the changing shape of the pulse profiles which re-appears regularly. The two ways of counting the 35 day cycles are generally in synchronization. This synchronization did apparently break down temporarily during the long Anomalous Low (AL3) which Her X-1 experienced in 1999/2000, in the sense that there must have been one extra Turn-On cycle. Our working hypothesis is that there are two clocks in the system, both with a period of about ~35 days: precession of the accretion disk (the less stable "Turn-On clock") and free precession of the neutron star (the more stable "Pulse profile clock"). We suggest that free precession of the neutron star is the master clock, and that the precession of the accretion disk is basically synchronized to that of the neutron star through a feed-back mechanism in the binary system. However, the Turn-On clock can slip against its master when the accretion disk has a very low inclination, as is observed to be the case during AL3. We take the apparent correlation between the histories of the Turn-Ons, of the Anomalous Lows and of the pulse period evolution, with a 5 yr quasi-periodicity, as evidence for strong physical interaction and feed-back between the major components in the system. We speculate that the 5 yr (10 yr) period is either due to a corresponding activity cycle of HZ Her or a natural ringing period of the physical system of coupled components. The question whether free precession really exists in neutron stars is of great importance for the understanding of matter with supra-nuclear density.

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arXiv2008

Giant outburst of EXO 2030+375: pulse-phase resolved analysis of INTEGRAL data

In June-September 2006 the Be/X-ray binary EXO 2030+375 experienced the second giant outburst since its discovery. The source was shown to have a complicated pulse-averaged X-ray spectral continuum with possible evidence of cyclotron absorption features. In this paper we present the first pulse-phase resolved analysis of the broad band X-ray spectra of EXO 2030+375 obtained with the INTEGRAL observatory close to the maximum and during the decay phase of the giant outburst. We report a strong variability of the spectrum with pulse phase. Alternative spectral continuum models are discussed. The dependence of the spectral parameters on pulse phase during the maximum of the outburst and the evolution of the pulse profiles with time are qualitatively consistent with the pulsar's emission diagram changing from the fan-beam geometry close to the maximum of the outburst to a combination of pencil and fan beams (of comparable intesities) at the end of the decay phase. Evidence of a cyclotron absorption line around 63 keV at the pulse phase interval preceeding the main peak of the pulse profile is present in the spectrum obtained close to the maximum of the outburst.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

INTEGRAL observations of the variability of OAO 1657-415

The Galactic Plane Scan (GPS) was one of the core observation programmes of the INTEGRAL satellite. The highly variable accreting pulsar OAO 1657-415 was frequently observed within the GPS. We investigate the spectral and timing properties of OAO 1657-415 and their variability on short and long time scales in the energy range 6-160 keV. During the time covered by the INTEGRAL observations, the pulse period evolution shows an initial spin-down, which is followed by an equally strong spin-up. In combining our results with historical pulse period measurements (correcting them for orbital variation) and with stretches of continuous observations by BATSE, we find that the long-term period evolution is characterised by a long-term spin-up overlayed by sets of relative spin-down/spin-up episodes, which appear to repeat quasi-periodically on a 4.8 yr time scale. We measure an updated local ephemeris and confirm the previously determined orbital period with an improved accuracy. The spectra clearly change with pulse phase. The spectrum measured during the main peak of the pulse profile is particularly hard. We do not find any evidence of a cyclotron line, wether in the phase-averaged spectrum or in phase-resolved spectra.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

INTEGRAL observations of Her X-1

Aims: We investigate the X-ray spectral and timing properties of the accreting X-ray pulsar Her X-1 observed with the INTEGRAL satellite in July-August 2005. Methods: The data analyzed in this work cover a substantial part of one main-on state of the source. The short-time scale pulse period development is measured. X-ray pulse profiles for different energy ranges and time intervals are constructed. Pulse-averaged and pulse-phase resolved broad band X-ray spectra are studied. Spectral changes during X-ray dips are explored. Results: The X-ray pulse profiles are found to change significantly during the period of observations. For the first time a strong spinup is measured within one 35 d cycle. Spectral characteristics observed during the X-ray dips are consistent with their interpretaion as due to partial covering as has been reported by several authors. The fundamental cyclotron absorption line is firmly observed in both pulse-averaged and pulse-phase resolved X-ray spectra. The energy, width, and the depth of the line are found to vary significantly with pulse phase.

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arXiv2008

The appearance of magnetospheric instability in flaring activity at the onset of X-ray outbursts in A0535+26

We argue that X-ray flaring variability observed in the transient X-ray pulsar A 0535+26 is due to low-mode magnetospheric instability. This instability develops at the onset of accretion, in the thin boundary layer between the accretion disk and neutron star magnetosphere. As a result, the matter collected in the boundary layer can rapidly fall onto the NS surface close to the magnetic poles, but not exactly along the field lines by which the stationary accretion proceeds. This explains the shift in cyclotron line energy measured using RXTE data in a pre-outburst spike, with respect to the line energy observed during the main outburst. Furthermore, the instability can account for the difference in pulse profiles, and their energy evolution that is different in the pre-outburst flare and main outburst.

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arXiv2008

The pre-outburst flare of the A 0535+26 August/September 2005 outburst

We study the spectral and temporal behavior of the High Mass X-ray Binary A 0535+26 during a `pre-outburst flare' which took place ~5 d before the peak of a normal (type I) outburst in August/September 2005. We compare the studied behavior with that observed during the outburst. We analyse RXTE observations that monitored A 0535+26 during the outburst. We complete spectral and timing analyses of the data. We study the evolution of the pulse period, present energy-dependent pulse profiles both at the initial pre-outburst flare and close to outburst maximum, and measure how the cyclotron resonance-scattering feature (hereafter CRSF) evolves. We present three main results: a constant period P=103.3960(5)s is measured until periastron passage, followed by a spin-up with a decreasing period derivative of Pdot=(-1.69+/-0.04)x10^(-8)s/s at MJD 53618, and P remains constant again at the end of the main outburst. The spin-up provides evidence for the existence of an accretion disk during the normal outburst. We measure a CRSF energy of Ecyc~50kev during the pre-outburst flare, and Ecyc~46kev during the main outburst. The pulse shape, which varies significantly during both pre-outburst flare and main outburst, evolves strongly with photon energy.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

Observational evidence for a changing tilt of the accretion disk with respect to the orbital plane in Her X-1 over its 35 day cycle

Analysis and interpretation of the Her X-1 X-ray light curve obtained with the ASM onbord RXTE over the period 1996 February to 2004 September is presented. We report that the features found previously in the averaged X-ray lightcurve are confirmed by the new RXTE/ASM data. In particular, anomalous dips and post-eclipse recoveries in two successive orbits in the short-on state are found to be prominent and stable details of the light curve. We argue that a change of the tilt of the accretion disk over the 35-day period is necessary to account for these features and show that our numerical model can explain such a behavior of the disk and reproduce the observed details of the light curve.

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arXiv2007

INTEGRAL observations of HER X-1

First results of observations of the low mass X-ray binary Her X-1/HZ Her performed by the INTEGRAL satellite in July-August 2005 are presented. A significant part of one 35 day main-on state was covered. The cyclotron line in the X-ray spectrum is well observed and its position and shape, as well as its variability with time and phase of the 1.24 s pulsation are explored. X-ray pulse profiles for different energy bands are studied throughout the observation. The pulse period is found to vary on short time scales revealing a dynamical spin-up/spin-down behavior. Results of simultaneous optical observations of HZ Her are also discussed.

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arXiv2007

A 0535+26 in the August/September 2005 outburst observed by RXTE and INTEGRAL

In this Letter we present results from INTEGRAL and RXTE observations of the spectral and timing behavior of the High Mass X-ray Binary A 0535+26 during its August/September 2005 normal (type I) outburst with an average flux F(5-100keV)~400mCrab. The search for cyclotron resonance scattering features (fundamental and harmonic) is one major focus of the paper. Our analysis is based on data from INTEGRAL and RXTE Target of Opportunity Observations performed during the outburst. The pulse period is determined. X-ray pulse profiles in different energy ranges are analyzed. The broad band INTEGRAL and RXTE pulse phase averaged X-ray spectra are studied. The evolution of the fundamental cyclotron line at different luminosities is analyzed. The pulse period P is measured to be 103.39315(5)s at MJD 53614.5137. Two absorption features are detected in the phase averaged spectra at E_1~45keV and E_2~100keV. These can be interpreted as the fundamental cyclotron resonance scattering feature and its first harmonic and therefore the magnetic field can be estimated to be B~4x10^12G.

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arXiv2007

Long-term developments in Her X-1: Correlation between the histories of the 35 day turn-on cycle and the 1.24 sec pulse period

We have studied the long-term (1971-2005) behaviour of the 1.24 sec pulse period and the 35 day precession period of Her X-1 and show that both periods vary in a highly correlated way (see also Staubert et al. 1997 and 2000). When the spin-up rate decreases, the 35 day turn-on period shortens.This correlation is most evident on long time scales (~2000 days),e.g.around four extended spin-down episodes, but also on shorter time scales (a few 100 days) on which quasi-periodic variations are apparent. We argue that the likely common cause is variations of the mass accretion rate onto the neutron star.The data since 1991 allow a continuous sampling and indicate a lag between the turn-on behaviour and the spin behaviour, in the sense that changes are first seen in the spin, about one cycle later in the turn-on. Both the coronal wind model (Schandl & Meyer 1994) as well as the stream-disk model (Shakura et al.999) predict this kind of behaviour.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

Discovery of a flux-related change of the cyclotron line energy in Her X-1

We present the results of ten years of repeated measurements of the Cyclotron Resonance Scattering Feature (CRSF) in the spectrum of the binary X-ray pulsar Her X-1 and report the discovery of a positive correlation of the centroid energy of this absorption feature in pulse phase averaged spectra with source luminosity.Our results are based on a uniform analysis of observations bythe RXTE satellite from 1996 to 2005, using sufficiently long observations of 12 individual 35-day Main-On states of the source. The mean centroid energy E_c of the CRSF in pulse phase averaged spectra of Her X-1 during this time is around 40 keV, with significant variations from one Main-On state to the next. We find that the centroid energy of the CRSF in Her X-1 changes by ~5% in energy for a factor of 2 in luminosity. The correlation is positive, contrary to what is observed in some high luminosity transient pulsars. Our finding is the first significant measurement of a positive correlation between E_c and luminosity in any X-ray pulsar. We suggest that this behaviour is expected in the case of sub-Eddington accretion and present a calculation of a quantitative estimate, which is very consistent with the effect observed in Her X-1.We urge that Her X-1 is regularly monitored further and that other X-ray pulsars are investigated for a similar behaviour.

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arXiv2007

INTEGRAL and Swift observations of EXO 2030+375 during a giant outburst

Aims: We investigate the X-ray spectral and timing properties of the high mass X-ray binary EXO 2030+375 observed during its June-September 2006 giant (type II) outburst. Methods: The data analyzed in this work are from partly simultaneous observations with INTEGRAL Swift. The pulse period P and its temporal derivative P_dot are measured. X-ray pulse profiles in different energy ranges and time intervals are constructed. Pulse averaged X-ray spectra for different time intervals are studied. Results: We report a strong spin-up of the source during the outburst, comparable to that observed in 1985 during the previous giant outburst when the source was discovered. The value of P_dot is found to be linearly related to the X-ray luminosity of the source during the outburst. For the first time the hard X-ray (>25 keV) characteristics of the source during a type II outburst are studied. The X-ray pulse profiles apparently change with luminosity. The X-ray spectral continuum in the 3--120 keV energy range is modeled with an absorbed power law with an exponential cutoff around E ~26 keV. An iron emission line at ~6-7 keV is observed. The spectrum reveals some features between 10 and 20 keV which can be modeled either by a broad emission line at ~13-15 keV (a ``bump'') or by two absorption lines at ~10 and ~20 keV.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

A precessing warped accretion disk around the X-ray pulsar Her X-1

We have performed an analysis and interpretation of the X-ray light curve of the accreting neutron star Her X-1 obtained with the ASM RXTE over the period 1996 February to 2004 September. The averaged X-ray light curves are constructed by means of adding up light curves corresponding to different 35 day cycles. A numerical model is introduced to explain the properties of the averaged light curves. We argue that a change of the tilt of the accretion disk over the 35 day period is necessary to account for the observed features and show that our numerical model can explain such a behavior of the disk and reproduce the details of the light curve.

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