Searcharxiv⌕ Search

arXiv subjects

Gabriel Torok

Publications and source records attributed to Gabriel Torok.

33 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
arXiv2008

Black Holes Admitting Strong Resonant Phenomena

High-frequency twin peak quasiperiodic oscillations (QPOs) are observed in four microquasars, i.e., Galactic black hole binary systems, with frequency ratio very close to 3:2. In the microquasar GRS 1915+105, the structure of QPOs exhibits additional frequencies, and more than two frequencies are observed in the Galaxy nuclei Sgr A*, or in some extragalactic sources (NGC 4051, MCG-6-30-15 and NGC 5408 X-1). The observed QPOs can be explained by a variety of the orbital resonance model versions assuming resonance of oscillations with the Keplerian frequency or the vertical epicyclic frequency, and the radial epicyclic frequency, or some combinations of these frequencies. Generally, different resonances could arise at different radii of an accretion disc. However, we have shown that for special values of dimensionless black hole spin strong resonant phenomena could occur when different resonances can be excited at the same radius, as cooperative phenomena between the resonances may work in such situations. The special values of black hole spin are determined for triple frequency ratio sets ν_{K} : ν_θ : ν_{r} = s:t:u with s, t, u being small integers. The most promising example of such a special situation arises for black holes with extraordinary resonant spin a = 0.983 at the radius r = 2.395 M, where ν_{K} : ν_θ : ν_{r} = 3:2:1. We also predict that when combinations of the orbital frequencies are allowed, QPOs with four frequency ratio set 4:3:2:1 could be observed in the field of black holes with a = 0.866, 0.882 and 0.962. Assuming the extraordinary resonant spin a = 0.983 in Sgr A*, its QPOs with observed frequency ratio very close to 3:2:1 imply the black hole mass in the interval 4.3 x 10^6 M_sun < M < 5.4 x 10^6 M_sun, in agreement with estimates given by other, independent, observations.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2008

Quasiperiodic oscillations in a strong gravitational field around neutron stars testing braneworld models

The strong gravitational field of neutron stars in the brany universe could be described by spherically symmetric solutions with a metric in the exterior to the brany stars being of the Reissner-Nordstrom type containing a brany tidal charge representing the tidal effect of the bulk spacetime onto the star structure. We investigate the role of the tidal charge in orbital models of high-frequency quasiperiodic oscillations (QPOs) observed in neutron star binary systems. We focus on the relativistic precession model. We give the radial profiles of frequencies of the Keplerian (vertical) and radial epicyclic oscillations. We show how the standard relativistic precession model modified by the tidal charge fits the observational data, giving estimates of the allowed values of the tidal charge and the brane tension based on the processes going in the vicinity of neutron stars. We compare the strong field regime restrictions with those given in the weak-field limit of solar system experiments.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2008

On the origin of clustering of frequency ratios in the atoll source 4U 1636-53

A long discussion has been devoted to the issue of clustering of the kHz QPO frequency ratios in the neutron star sources. While the distribution of ratios inferred from an occurrence of a single QPO seems to be consistent with a random walk, the distribution based on simultaneous detections of both peaks indicates a preference of ratios of small integers. Based on the public RXTE data we further investigate this issue for the source 4U 1636-53. Quality factors and rms amplitudes of both the QPOs nearly equal to the points where the frequencies are commensurable, and where the twin QPO detections cluster. We discuss a connection of the clustering with the varying properties of the two QPO modes. Assuming approximative relations for the observed correlations of the QPO properties, we attempt to reproduce the frequency and ratio distributions using a simple model of a random-walk evolution along the observed frequency-frequency correlation. We obtain results which are in qualitative agreement with the observed distributions.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2008

Distribution of kilohertz QPO frequencies and their ratios in the atoll source 4U 1636-53

A recently published study on long term evolution of the frequencies of the kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in the atoll source 4U 1636-53 concluded that there is no preferred frequency ratio in a distribution of twin QPOs that was inferred from the distribution of a single frequency alone. However, we find that the distribution of the ratio of actually observed pairs of kHz QPO frequencies is peaked close to the 3/2 value, and possibly also close to the 5/4 ratio. To resolve the apparent contradiction between the two studies, we examine in detail the frequency distributions of the lower kHz QPO and the upper kHz QPO detected in our data set. We demonstrate that for each of the two kHz QPOs (the lower or the upper), the frequency distribution in all detections of a QPO differs from the distribution of frequency of the same QPO in the subset of observations where both the kHz QPOs are detected. We conclude that detections of individual QPOs alone should not be used for calculation of the distribution of the frequency ratios.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2008

Extended orbital resonance model with hump-induced oscillations

Change of sign of the LNRF-velocity gradient has been found for accretion discs orbiting rapidly rotating Kerr black holes with spin a > 0.9953 for Keplerian discs and a > 0.99979 for marginally stable thick discs. Such a "humpy" LNRF-velocity profiles occur just above the marginally stable circular geodesic and could be related to oscillations of accretion discs. The frequency of such "hump"-induced oscillations can be identified with the maximal rate of change of the orbital velocity within the "humpy" profile. Therefore, we introduce an extended orbital resonance model (EXORM) of quasiperiodic oscillations (QPOs) assuming non-linear resonant phenomena between oscillations with the orbital epicyclic frequencies and the humpy frequency defined in a fully general relativistic way. The EXORM is developed for both Keplerian discs and perfect-fluid tori where the approximation of oscillations with epicyclic frequencies is acceptable. Clearly, the EXORM could be applied to the near-extreme Kerr black hole systems exhibiting relatively complex QPO frequency patterns. Assuming a Keplerian disc, it can be shown that in the framework of the EXORM, all the QPOs observed in the microquasar GRS 1915+105 could be explained, while it is not possible in the case of QPOs observed in the Galactic Centre source Sgr A*.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2008

Genetic selection of neutron star structure matching the X-ray observations

Assuming a resonant origin of the quasiperiodic oscillations observed in the X-ray neutron star binary systems, we apply a genetic algorithm method for selection of neutron star models. It was suggested that pairs of kilo-Hertz peaks in the X-ray Fourier power density spectra of some neutron stars reflect a non-linear resonance between two modes of accretion disk oscillations. In several specific models, the two modes are related to physically plausible combinations of Keplerian, vertical and radial frequencies of geodesic orbital motion. We investigate this concept for a specific neutron star source, a fixed pair of modes and various neutron star equations of state. Each neutron star model is characterized by the equation of state (EOS), rotation frequency ($Ω$) and central energy density ($ρ_\mathrm c$). These determine the spacetime structure governing geodesic motion and position dependent radial and vertical epicyclic oscillations related to the stable circular geodesics. When the parameters of neutron star model are fixed, the two considered modes imply a frequency-frequency relation which can be compared to the observation in order to eliminate the unsatisfactory sets (KR,$ρ_\mathrm c, Ω$, EOS). For the elimination we use the advanced genetic algorithm. Genetic algorithm comes out from the method of natural selection when subjects with the best adaptation to assigned conditions have best chances to survive. The chosen genetic algorithm with sexual reproduction contains one chromosome with restricted lifetime, uniform crossing and genes of type 3/3/5. For encryption of physical description (KR,$ρ_\mathrm c, Ω$, EOS) into chromosome we use the Gray code. As a fitness function we use correspondence between the observed and calculated pairs of eigenfrequencies.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2007

Trapping of neutrinos in extremely compact stars

Trapping of neutrinos in extremely compact stars containing trapped null geodesics is studied. We calculated the ratio of produced to trapped neutrinos in the simplest model of uniform density stars. This gives the upper limit on trapping coefficients in real objects.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2006

Humpy LNRF-velocity profiles in accretion discs orbiting nearly extreme Kerr black holes. A possible relation to QPOs

Change of sign of the LNRF-velocity gradient has been found for accretion discs orbiting rapidly rotating Kerr black holes with spin a > 0.9953 for Keplerian discs and a > 0.99979 for marginally stable thick discs. Aschenbach (2004) has identified the maximal rate of change of the orbital velocity within the "humpy" profile with a locally defined critical frequency of disc oscillations, but it has been done in a coordinate-dependent form. We define the critical "humpy" frequency H in general relativistic, coordinate independent form, and relate the frequency defined in the LNRF to distant observers. At radius of its definition, so-called "humpy" radius r_h, the "humpy" frequency H is compared to the radial (R) and vertical (V) epicyclic frequencies and the orbital frequency of the disc. For Keplerian thin discs, we show that the epicyclic resonance radii r_31 and r_41 (with V:R = 3:1 or 4:1) are located in vicinity of r_h where efficient triggering of oscillations with frequencies ~ H could be expected. Asymptotically (for 1-a < 10^(-4)) the ratio of the epicyclic and Keplerian frequencies and the humpy frequency is nearly constant, i.e., almost independent of spin, being for the radial epicyclic frequency R:H ~ 3:2. For thick discs the situation is more complex due to dependence on distribution of the specific angular momentum l determining the disc properties. For l = const tori and 1-a < 10^(-6) the frequency ratios of the humpy frequency and the orbital and epicyclic frequencies are again nearly constant and independent of both a and l, being for the radial epicyclic frequency R:H close to 4. In the limiting case of very slender tori (l ~ l_ms) the epicyclic resonance radius r_41 ~ r_h for spin 1-a < 2x10^(-4).

astro-ph↗
arXiv2006

QPOs in microquasars: the spin problem

In the Galactic microquasars with double peak kHz quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs), the ratio of the two frequencies is 3:2. This supports the suggestion that double peak kHz QPOs are due to a non-linear resonance between two modes of accretion disk oscillations. For the microquasars with known mass, we briefly compare the black hole spin estimates based on the orbital resonance model with the recently reported spin predictions obtained by fitting the spectral continua. Results of these two approaches are not in good agreement. We stress that if the spectral fit estimates are accurate and can be taken as referential (which is still questionable), the disagreement between the predicted and referential values would represent a rather generic problem for any relativistic QPO model, as no spin influence would appear in the observed 1/M scaling of the QPO frequencies. The epicyclic frequencies relevant in these models are often considered to be equal to those of a test particle motion. However modifications of the frequencies due to the disc pressure or other non-geodesic effects may play an important role, and the inaccuracy introduced in the spin estimates by the test particle approximation could be crucial.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2006

Toroidal LNRF-velocity profiles in thick accretion discs orbiting rapidly rotating Kerr black holes

We show that in the equatorial plane of marginally stable thick discs (with uniformly distributed specific angular momentum the orbital velocity relative to the locally non-rotating frames (LNRF) has a positive radial gradient in the vicinity of black holes with spin a>0.99979. The change of sign of the velocity gradient occurs just above the center of the thick toroidal discs, in the region where stable circular geodesics of the Kerr spacetime are allowed. The global character of the phenomenon is given in terms of topology changes of the von Zeipel surfaces (equivalent to the equivelocity surfaces in the tori with constant specific angular momentum distribution). Toroidal von Zeipel surfaces exist around the circle corresponding to the minimum of the equatorial LNRF velocity profile, indicating a possibility of development of some vertical instabilities in those parts of marginally stable tori with positive gradient of the LNRF velocity. Eventual oscillatory frequencies connected with the phenomenon are given in a coordinate-independent form.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2006

A non-linear resonance model for the black hole and neutron star QPOs: theory supported by observations

Kilohertz Quasi-Periodic Oscillations (QPOs) have been detected in many accreting X-ray binaries. It has been suggested that the highest QPO frequencies observed in the modulation of the X-ray flux reflect a non-linear resonance between two modes of accreting disk oscillation. This hypothesis implies certain very general predictions, several of which have been borne out by observations. Some of these follow from properties of non-linear oscillators, while the others are specific to oscillations of fluid in strong gravity. A 3:2 resonant ratio of frequencies can be clearly recognized in the black-hole as well as in the neutron-star QPO data.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2005

QPOs in microquasars and Sgr A*: measuring the black hole spin

In all four microquasars which show double peak kHz QPOs, the ratio of the two frequencies is 3:2. This strongly supports the suggestion that twin peak kHz QPOs are due to a resonance between some modes of accretion disk oscillations. Here, we stress that fits to observations of the hypothetical resonances between vertical and radial epicyclic frequencies (particularly of the parametric resonance) give an accurate estimate of the spin for the three microquasars with known mass. Measurement of double peak QPOs frequencies in the Galaxy centre seems also to be consistent with the 3:2 ratio established by previous observations in microquasars, however the Sgr A* data are rather difficult for the same exact analysis. If confirmed, the 3:2 ratio of double peak QPOs in Sgr A* would be of a fundamental importance for the black hole accretion theory and the precise measurement could help to solve the question of QPOs nature.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2005

Radial and vertical epicyclic frequencies of Keplerian motion in the field of Kerr naked singularities - comparison with the black hole case and possible instability of naked singularity accretion discs

Relativistic Keplerian orbital frequency and related epicyclic frequencies play an important role in physics of accretion discs orbiting Kerr black holes and can by resonant or trapping effects explain quasiperiodic oscillations observed in microquasars. Because of growing theoretical evidence on possible existence of naked singularities, we discuss behaviour of the fundamenal orbital frequencies for Keplerian motion in the field of Kerr naked singularities, primarily in order to find phenomena that could observationally distinguish a hypothetical naked singularity from black holes. Some astrophysically important consequences are sketched, namely the existence of strong resonant frequency for all Kerr naked singularities, with radial and vertical epicyclic frequencies being equal at well defined radius.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2004

The orbital resonance model for twin peak kHz QPOs

Many Galactic black hole and neutron star sources in low X-ray mass binaries show QPOs (quasi periodic oscillations) in their observed X-ray fluxes, i.e. peaks in the Fourier variability power spectra. Pairs of twin peaks are observed, and in black-hole systems their frequencies (upp), (down) are in rational ratios. For example, in all four microquasars with twin peaks observed, (upp):(down) = 3:2. The rational ratios have been postulated in a model that explained twin peak QPOs as a non-linear resonance between modes of accretion disk oscillations. For those microquasars where the mass of the X-ray source is known, we determine the black-hole spin, following from the observed QPO frequencies within various models of resonance.

astro-ph↗