arXiv subjects

Indu K. Dihingia

Publications and source records attributed to Indu K. Dihingia.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2025

Origin of the ring ellipticity in the black hole images of M87*

We investigate the origin of the elliptical ring structure observed in the images of the supermassive black hole M87*, aiming to disentangle contributions from gravitational, astrophysical, and imaging effects. Leveraging the enhanced capabilities of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) 2018 array, including improved $(u,v)$-coverage from the Greenland Telescope, we measure the ring's ellipticity using five independent imaging methods, obtaining a consistent average value of $τ= 0.08_{-0.02}^{+0.03}$ with a position angle $ξ= 50.1_{-7.6}^{+6.2}$ degrees. To interpret this measurement, we compare against General Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations spanning a wide range of physical parameters including thermal or non-thermal electron distribution function, spins, and ion-to-electron temperature ratios in both low and high-density regions. We find no statistically significant correlation between spin and ellipticity in GRMHD images. Instead, we identify a correlation between ellipticity and the fraction of non-ring emission, particularly in non-thermal models and models with higher jet emission. These results indicate that the ellipticity measured from the \m87 emission structure is consistent with that expected from simulations of turbulent accretion flows around black holes, where it is dominated by astrophysical effects rather than gravitational ones. Future high-resolution imaging, including space very long baseline interferometry and long-term monitoring, will be essential to isolate gravitational signatures from astrophysical effects.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Emergence of cHz Quasi-Periodic Oscillations from low angular momentum flow onto a supermassive black hole

Quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) are very common in black hole accretion systems that are seen from the modulations in luminosity. Many supermassive black hole sources (e.g., RE J1034+396, 1H~0707-495, MCG-6-30-15, 1ES~1927+654, Sgr~A$^*$) have been observed to exhibit QPO-like variability in the range of mHz in different energy bands (e.g., radio, NIR, X-ray). Due to the shorter infalling time, low-angular momentum accretion flows can have resonance close to the black hole, which will raise variability centiHz (cHz) or beyond QPOs for supermassive black holes. In this study, we for the first time show that such resonance conditions can be achieved in simulations of low angular momentum accretion flows onto a black hole. The QPOs could have values beyond $ν_{\rm QPO}\gtrsim0.1-1\times 10^7M_\odot/M_{\rm BH}\,$cHz and the harmonics have a ratio of 2:1. Hunting down of these cHz QPOs will provide a smoking gun signature for the presence of low-angular momentum accretion flows around black holes (e.g., Sgr~A$^*$, 1ES~1927+654).

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Black hole accretion and radiation variability in GRMHD simulations with Rezzolla-Zhidenko spacetime

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has revealed the horizon-scale radiation of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), our galaxy's central supermassive black hole, offering a new platform to test gravitational theories. The next step involves studying accretion flows and spacetime structures near black holes using EHT time variability data and GRMHD simulations. We study accretion dynamics in spherically symmetric black hole spacetimes deviating from general relativity, using 2D GRMHD simulations with Rezzolla-Zhidenko spacetime. This study systematically investigates how light curve variability amplitudes from non-Kerr GRMHD simulations depend on Schwarzschild spacetime deviations, based on the constraints from weak gravitational fields and Sgr A*'s shadow size. We find that the dynamics of accretion flows systematically depend on the deviation. In spacetimes with a deeper gravitational potential, fluid and Alfvén velocities consistently decrease relative to the Schwarzschild metric, indicating weaker dynamical behavior. We also examine the influence of spacetime deviations on radiation properties by computing luminosity fluctuations at 230 GHz using general relativistic radiative transfer simulations, in line with EHT observations. The amplitude of these fluctuations exhibits a systematic dependence on the deviation parameters, decreasing for deeper gravitational potentials compared to the Schwarzschild metric. These features are validated using one of the theoretically predicted metrics, the Hayward metric, a model that describes nonsingular black holes. This characteristic is expected to have similar effects in future comprehensive simulations that include more realistic accretion disk models and electron cooling in the future, potentially aiding in distinguishing black hole solutions that explain the variability of Sgr A*.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

The putative center in NGC 1052

Many active galaxies harbor powerful relativistic jets, however, the detailed mechanisms of their formation and acceleration remain poorly understood. To investigate the area of jet acceleration and collimation with the highest available angular resolution, we study the innermost region of the bipolar jet in the nearby low-ionization nuclear emission-line region (LINER) galaxy NGC 1052. We combined observations of NGC 1052 taken with VLBA, GMVA, and EHT over one week in the spring of 2017. For the first time, NGC 1052 was detected with the EHT, providing a size of the central region in-between both jet bases of 250 RS (Schwarzschild radii) perpendicular to the jet axes. This size estimate supports previous studies of the jets expansion profile which suggest two breaks of the profile at around 300 RS and 10000 RS distances to the core. Furthermore, we estimated the magnetic field to be 1.25 Gauss at a distance of 22 μas from the central engine by fitting a synchrotron-self absorption spectrum to the innermost emission feature, which shows a spectral turn-over at about 130 GHz. Assuming a purely poloidal magnetic field, this implies an upper limit on the magnetic field strength at the event horizon of 26000 Gauss, which is consistent with previous measurements. The complex, low-brightness, double-sided jet structure in NGC 1052 makes it a challenge to detect the source at millimeter (mm) wavelengths. However, our first EHT observations have demonstrated that detection is possible up to at least 230 GHz. This study offers a glimpse through the dense surrounding torus and into the innermost central region, where the jets are formed. This has enabled us to finally resolve this region and provide improved constraints on its expansion and magnetic field strength.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

A multi-frequency study of sub-parsec jets with the Event Horizon Telescope

The 2017 observing campaign of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) delivered the first very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) images at the observing frequency of 230 GHz, leading to a number of unique studies on black holes and relativistic jets from active galactic nuclei (AGN). In total, eighteen sources were observed: the main science targets, Sgr A* and M87 along with various calibrators. We investigated the morphology of the sixteen AGN in the EHT 2017 data set, focusing on the properties of the VLBI cores: size, flux density, and brightness temperature. We studied their dependence on the observing frequency in order to compare it with the Blandford-Königl (BK) jet model. We modeled the source structure of seven AGN in the EHT 2017 data set using linearly polarized circular Gaussian components and collected results for the other nine AGN from dedicated EHT publications, complemented by lower frequency data in the 2-86 GHz range. Then, we studied the dependences of the VLBI core flux density, size, and brightness temperature on the frequency measured in the AGN host frame. We compared the observations with the BK jet model and estimated the magnetic field strength dependence on the distance from the central black hole. Our results indicate a deviation from the standard BK model, particularly in the decrease of the brightness temperature with the observing frequency. Either bulk acceleration of the jet material, energy transfer from the magnetic field to the particles, or both are required to explain the observations.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Impact of radiative cooling on the magnetised geometrically thin accretion disk around Kerr black hole

It is believed that the spectral state transitions of the outbursts in X-ray binaries (XRBs) are triggered by the rise of the mass accretion rate due to underlying disc instabilities. Recent observations found that characteristics of disc winds are probably connected with the different spectral states, but the theoretical underpinnings of it are highly ambiguous. To understand the correlation between disc winds and the dynamics of the accretion flow, we have performed General Relativistic Magneto-hydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of an axisymmetric thin accretion disc with different accretion rates and magnetic field strengths. Our simulations have shown that the dynamics and the temperature properties depend on both accretion rates and magnetic field strengths. We later found that these properties greatly influence spectral properties. We calculated the average coronal temperature for different simulation models, which is correlated with high-energy Compton emission. Our simulation models reveal that the average coronal temperature is anti-correlated with the accretion rates, which are correlated with the magnetic field strengths. We also found that the structured component of the disc winds (Blandford-Payne disc wind) predominates as the accretion rates and magnetic field strengths increase. In contrast, the turbulent component of the disc winds ($B_{\rm tor}$ disc wind) predominates as the accretion rates and magnetic field strengths decrease. Our results suggest that the disc winds during an outburst in XRBs can only be understood if the magnetic field contribution varies over time (e.g., MAXI J1820+070).

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Distinguishability of a naked singularity from a black hole in dynamics and radiative signatures

Can a naked singularity (NkS) be distinguished from a black hole (BH)? We have investigated it with cutting-edge general relativistic magneto-hydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations, followed by general relativistic radiation transfer (GRRT) calculation for magnetized accretion flow around NkS and BH. Based on our simulations, the accreting matter close enough to the singularity repels due to effective potential. This prevents matter from reaching a NkS and forms a quasi-spherical symmetric density distribution around it, unlike the accretion flows around a BH. We observe an order of magnitude higher mass flux through the jet and much stronger wind from a NkS than a BH. We found that the jet launching mechanism in a NkS differs significantly from that in a BH. In the horizon-scale images, a NKs shows a photon arc instead of a photon ring that is shown around a BH. In summary, the flow dynamics and radiative properties around an NkS are distinctly different from a BH. These properties would be useful to either confirm or rule out such exotic compact objects through future observations.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

First Very Long Baseline Interferometry Detections at 870μm

The first very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) detections at 870$μ$m wavelength (345$\,$GHz frequency) are reported, achieving the highest diffraction-limited angular resolution yet obtained from the surface of the Earth, and the highest-frequency example of the VLBI technique to date. These include strong detections for multiple sources observed on inter-continental baselines between telescopes in Chile, Hawaii, and Spain, obtained during observations in October 2018. The longest-baseline detections approach 11$\,$G$λ$ corresponding to an angular resolution, or fringe spacing, of 19$μ$as. The Allan deviation of the visibility phase at 870$μ$m is comparable to that at 1.3$\,$mm on the relevant integration time scales between 2 and 100$\,$s. The detections confirm that the sensitivity and signal chain stability of stations in the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) array are suitable for VLBI observations at 870$μ$m. Operation at this short wavelength, combined with anticipated enhancements of the EHT, will lead to a unique high angular resolution instrument for black hole studies, capable of resolving the event horizons of supermassive black holes in both space and time.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2024

Revisited equilibrium solution of Fishbone and Moncrief torus for extended GRMHD simulations

Accretion physics has become more important recently due to the detection of the first horizon-scale images of the super-massive black holes of M\,87$^*$ and Sgr~A$^*$ by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). General relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of magnetized accretion flows onto a Kerr black hole have been used to interpret them. However, further testing the theory of gravity by using horizon-scale images requires performing consistent GRMHD simulations in non-Kerr spacetime. In this paper, we revisited the hydrodynamical equilibrium solution of the Fishbone and Moncrief (FM) torus that can be used to study any stationary, axisymmetric, vacuum, or non-vacuum spacetime. Further, we check the stability of the FM torus in non-Kerr spacetime by general relativistic hydrodynamic simulations. We find that FM torus in non-Kerr spacetime is indeed stable under long-term evolution. We conclude that the generalized FM torus solution would be very useful for creating new GRMHD libraries in extended Kerr black holes.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Enhanced Blandford Znajek Jet in Loop Quantum Black Hole

The Blandford-Znajek (BZ) process powers energetic jets by extracting the rotating energy of a Kerr black hole. It is important to understand this process in non-Kerr black hole spacetimes. In this study, we conduct two-dimensional and three-dimensional two-temperature General Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of magnetized accretion flows onto a rotating Loop-Quantum black hole (LQBH). Our investigation focuses on the accretion flow structure and jet launching dynamics from our simulations. We observe that the loop quantum effects increase the black hole angular frequency for spinning black holes.This phenomenon intensifies the frame-dragging effect, leading to an amplification of the toroidal magnetic field within the funnel region and enhancement of the launching jet power. It is possible to fit the jet power following a similar fitting formula of the black hole angular frequency as seen in the Kerr black hole. Based on the General Relativistic Radiation Transfer (GRRT) calculation, we find that the jet image from LQBH has a wider opening angle and an extended structure than the Kerr BH.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Dynamics and Emission Properties of Flux Ropes from Two-Temperature GRMHD Simulations with Multiple Magnetic Loops

Flux ropes erupting from the vicinity of the black hole are thought to be a potential model for the flares observed in Sgr\,A$^*$. In this study, we examine the radiative properties of flux ropes that emerged from the vicinity of the black hole. We have performed three-dimensional two-temperature General Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of magnetized accretion flows with alternating multiple magnetic loops, and General Relativistic Radiation Transfer (GRRT) calculations. In GRMHD simulations, two different sizes of initial magnetic loops are implemented. In the small loop case, magnetic dissipation leads to a weaker excitement of magneto-rotational instability inside the torus which generates a lower accretion rate compared to the large loop case. However, it makes more generation of flux ropes due to frequent reconnection by magnetic loops with different polarities. By calculating the thermal synchrotron emission, we found that the variability of light curves and emitting region are tightly related. At $230\,\rm GHz$ and higher frequency, the emission from the flux ropes is relatively stronger compared with the background, which is responsible for the filamentary structure in the images. At lower frequencies, e.g. $43\,\rm GHz$, emission comes from more extended regions, which have a less filamentary structure in the image. Our study shows self-consistent electron temperature models are essential for the calculation of thermal synchrotron radiation and the morphology of the GRRT images. Flux ropes contribute considerable emission at frequencies $\gtrsim 230\,\rm GHz$.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Thin Accretion disks in GR-MHD simulations

We review some recent results of general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GR-MHD) simulations considering the evolution of geometrically thin disks around a central black hole. Thin disk GR-MHD simulations complement the widely used MAD (Magnetically Arrested Disk) or SANE (Standard And Normal Evolution) approaches of evolving from an initial disk torus. In particular, we discuss the dynamical evolution of the disk, its role in the formation of disk winds or jets, the impact of disk resistivity, and its potential role in generating magnetic flux by an internal disk dynamo. The main characteristics of a thin disk in our approach are the Keplerian rotation of the disk material, which allows to launch disk outflows by the Blandford-Payne magneto-centrifugal effect, in addition to the Blandford-Znajek-driven spine jet from the black hole ergosphere. Thus, for this approach, we neglect disk thermodynamics and radiative effects, concentrating predominantly on the dynamical evolution of the system. Resistive MHD further allows the investigation of physical reconnection and also dynamo action. Magnetic reconnection may generate magnetic islands of plasmoids that are ejected from the disk along with the outflow. We also discussed potential applications of thin disk in explaining the decaying phase of an outburst in black hole X-ray binaries (BH-XRBs). Post-processing of radiation using the simulated dynamical data allows to derive spectra or fluxes, e.g., in the X-ray band, and to derive potential variability characteristics.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Dynamical properties of magnetized low angular momentum accretion flow around a Kerr black hole

An essential factor in determining the flow characteristics of an accretion flow is its angular momentum. According to the angular momentum of the flow, semi-analytical analysis suggests various types of accretion solutions. It is critical to test it with numerical simulations using the most advanced framework available (general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics) to understand how flow changes with different angular momentum. By changing the initial condition of the accretion torus minimally, we can simulate steady, low angular momentum accretion flow around a Kerr black hole. We focus primarily on the lower limits of angular momentum and come upon that accretion flow with an intermediate range of angular momentum differs significantly from high or very low angular momentum flow. The intermediate angular momentum accretion flow has the highest density, pressure, and temperature near the black hole, making it easier to observe. We find that the density and pressure have power-law scalings $ρ\propto r^{n-3/2}$ and $p_g\propto r^{n-5/2}$ which only hold for very low angular momentum cases. With the increase in flow angular momentum, it develops a non-axisymmetric nature. In this case, simple self-similarity does not hold. We also find that the sonic surface moves away from the innermost stable circular orbit as its angular momentum decreases. Finally, we emphasize that intermediate angular momentum flow could provide a possible solution to explain the complex observation features of the supermassive black hole Sgr~A$^*$ at our galactic center.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

Shadows of Loop Quantum Black Holes: Semi-analytical Simulations of Loop Quantum Gravity Effects on Sagittarius A* and M 87*

In this study, we delve into the observational implications of rotating Loop Quantum Black Holes (LQBHs) within an astrophysical framework. We employ semi-analytical General Relativistic Radiative Transfer (GRRT) computations to study the emission from the accretion flow around LQBHs. Our findings indicate that the increase of Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) effects results in an enlargement of the rings from LQBHs, thereby causing a more circular polarization pattern in the shadow images. We make comparisons with the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) observations of Sgr\,A$^*$ and M\,87$^*$, which enable us to determine an upper limit for the polymetric function $P$ in LQG. The upper limit for Sgr\,A$^*$ is $0.2$, while for M\,87$^*$ it is $0.07$. Both black holes exhibit a preference for a relatively high spin ($a\gtrsim0.5$ for Sgr\,A$^*$ and $0.5\lesssim a \lesssim 0.7$ for M\,87$^*$). The constraints for Sgr\,A$^*$ are based on black hole spin and ring diameter, whereas for M\,87$^*$, the constraints are further tightened by the polarimetric pattern. In essence, our simulations provide observational constraints on the effect of LQG in supermassive black holes (SMBH), providing the most consistent comparison with observation.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Temperature properties in magnetised and radiatively cooled two-temperature accretion flows onto a black hole

Simplified assumptions about the thermodynamics of the electrons are normally employed in general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of accretion onto black holes. To counter this, we have developed a self-consistent approach to study magnetised and radiatively cooled two-temperature accretion flows around a Kerr black hole in two spatial dimensions. The approach includes several heating processes, radiative cooling, and a coupling between the electrons and the ions via Coulomb interaction. We test our approach by performing axisymmetric GRMHD simulations of magnetised tori accreting onto a Kerr black hole under various astrophysical scenarios. In this way, we find that the inclusion of the Coulomb interaction and the radiative cooling impacts the thermodynamical properties of both the ions and electrons, changing significantly the temperature distribution of the latter, and underlining the importance of a two-temperature approach when imaging these flows. In addition, we find that the accretion rate influences the bulk properties of the flow as well as the thermodynamics of the electrons and ions. Interestingly, we observe qualitatively distinct temperature properties for SANE and MAD accretion modes while maintaining the same accretion rates, which could help distinguishing MAD and SANE accretion flows via observations. Finally, we propose two new relations for the temperature ratios of the electrons, ions, and of the gas in terms of the plasma-$β$ parameter. The new relations represent a simple and effective approach to treat two-temperature accretion flows on supermassive black holes such as Sgr A* and M\,87*.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Truncated accretion discs in black hole X-ray binaries: dynamics and variability signatures

Variable features in black hole X-ray Binaries (BH-XRBs) are observed in different energy ranges and time scales. The physical origin of different spectral states in BH-XRBs and their relations with the underlying accretion disc are still elusive. To investigate the intermediate state of BH-XRBs during outburst, we simulate a truncated accretion disc around a Kerr black hole using a general relativistic magneto-hydrodynamical (GRMHD) framework under axisymmetry with adaptively refined mesh. Additionally, we have also carried out radiative transfer calculations for understanding the implications of disc dynamics on emission. Dynamically, the inner edge of the truncated accretion disc oscillates in a quasi-periodic fashion (QPO). The QPO frequency of oscillations $(ν_{\rm QPO, max})$ increases as the magnetic field strength and magnetic resistivity increase. However, as the truncation radius increases, $ν_{\rm QPO, max}$ decreases. In our simulation models, frequency varies between $7\times(10M_{\odot}/M_{\rm BH})$ Hz $\lesssimν_{\rm QPO, max}\lesssim20 \times (10M_{\odot}/M_{\rm BH})$ Hz, which is in the range of low-frequency QPOs. We further find evidence of transient shocks in the highly accreting stage during oscillation. Such a transient shock acts as an extended hot post-shock corona around the black hole that has an impact on its radiative properties. The radiative transfer calculations show signatures of these oscillations in the form of modulation in the edge-brightened structure of the accretion disc.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

Jets, disc-winds and oscillations in general relativistic, magnetically driven flows around black hole

Relativistic jets and disc-winds are typically observed in BH-XRBs and AGNs. However, many physical details of jet launching and the driving of disc winds from the underlying accretion disc are still not fully understood. In this study, we further investigate the role of the magnetic field strength and structure in launching jets and disc winds. In particular, we explore the connection between jet, wind, and the accretion disc around the central black hole. We perform axisymmetric GRMHD simulations of the accretion-ejection system using adaptive mesh refinement. Essentially, our simulations are initiated with a thin accretion disc in equilibrium. An extensive parametric study by choosing different combinations of magnetic field strength and initial magnetic field inclination is also performed. Our study finds relativistic jets driven by the Blandford \& Znajek (BZ) mechanism and the disc-wind driven by the Blandford \& Payne (BP) mechanism. We also find that plasmoids are formed due to the reconnection events, and these plasmoids advect with disc-winds. As a result, the tension force due to the poloidal magnetic field is enhanced in the inner part of the accretion disc, resulting in disc truncation and oscillation. These oscillations result in flaring activities in the jet mass flow rates. We find simulation runs with a lower value of the plasma-$β$, and lower inclination angle parameters are more prone to the formation of plasmoids and subsequent inner disc oscillations. Our models provide a possible template to understand spectral state transition phenomena in BH-XRBs.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2020

Study of relativistic accretion flow in Kerr-Taub-NUT spacetime

We study the properties of the relativistic, steady, axisymmetric, low angular momentum, inviscid, advective, geometrically thin accretion flow in a Kerr-Taub-NUT (KTN) spacetime which is characterized by the Kerr parameter ($a_{\rm k}$) and NUT parameter ($n$). Depending on $a_{\rm k}$ and $n$ values, KTN spacetime represents either a black or a naked singularity. We solve the governing equations that describe the relativistic accretion flow in KTN spacetime and obtain all possible global transonic accretion solutions around KTN black hole in terms of the energy $({\cal E})$ and angular momentum $(λ)$ of the flow. We identify the region of the parameter space in $λ-{\cal E}$ plane that admits the flow to possess multiple critical points for KTN black hole. We examine the modification of the parameter space due to $a_{\rm k}$ and $n$ and find that the role of $a_{\rm k}$ and $n$ in determining the parameter space is opposite to each other. This clearly indicates that the NUT parameter $n$ effectively mitigates the effect of black hole rotation in deciding the accretion flow structure. Further, we calculate the maximum disc luminosity ($L_{\rm max}$) corresponding to the accretion solutions around the KTN black hole and for a given set of $a_{\rm k}$ and $n$. In addition, we also investigate all possible flow topologies around the naked singularity and find that there exists a region around the naked singularity which remains inaccessible to the flow. We study the critical point properties for naked singularities and find that the flow possesses maximum of four critical points. Finally, we obtain the parameter space for multiple critical points for naked singularity and find that parameter space is shrunk and shifted to lower $λ$ and higher ${\cal E}$ side as $a_{\rm k}$ is increased which ultimately disappears.

astro-ph.HE↗