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J. C. A. Miller-Jones

Publications and source records attributed to J. C. A. Miller-Jones.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Radio and X-ray monitoring of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J17591-2342 in outburst

IGR J17591$-$2342 is a new accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar (AMXP) that was recently discovered in outburst in 2018. Early observations revealed that the source's radio emission is brighter than that of any other known neutron star low-mass X-ray binary (NS-LMXB) at comparable X-ray luminosity, and assuming its likely $\gtrsim 6$ kpc distance. It is comparably radio bright to black hole LMXBs at similar X-ray luminosities. In this work, we present the results of our extensive radio and X-ray monitoring campaign of the 2018 outburst of IGR J17591$-$2342. In total we collected 10 quasi-simultaneous radio (VLA, ATCA) and X-ray (Swift-XRT) observations, which make IGR J17591$-$2342 one of the best-sampled NS-LMXBs. We use these to fit a power-law correlation index $β= 0.37^{+0.42}_{-0.40}$ between observed radio and X-ray luminosities ( $L_\mathrm{R}\propto L_\mathrm{X}^β$). However, our monitoring revealed a large scatter in IGR J17591$-$2342's radio luminosity (at a similar X-ray luminosity, $L_\mathrm{X} \sim 10^{36}$ erg s$^{-1}$, and spectral state), with $L_\mathrm{R} \sim 4 \times 10^{29}$ erg s$^{-1}$ during the first three reported observations, and up to a factor of 4 lower $L_\mathrm{R}$ during later radio observations. Nonetheless, the average radio luminosity of IGR J17591$-$2342 is still one of the highest among NS-LMXBs, and we discuss possible reasons for the wide range of radio luminosities observed in such systems during outburst. We found no evidence for radio pulsations from IGR J17591$-$2342 in our Green Bank Telescope observations performed shortly after the source returned to quiescence. Nonetheless, we cannot rule out that IGR J17591$-$2342 becomes a radio millisecond pulsar during quiescence.

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GS 2000+25: The Least Luminous Black Hole X-ray Binary

Little is known about the properties of the accretion flows and jets of the lowest-luminosity quiescent black holes. We report new, strictly simultaneous radio and X-ray observations of the nearby stellar-mass black hole X-ray binary GS 2000+25 in its quiescent state. In deep Chandra observations we detect the system at a faint X-ray luminosity of $L_X = 1.1^{+1.0}_{-0.7} \times 10^{30}\,(d/2 {\rm \,\, kpc})^2$ erg s$^{-1}$ (1-10 keV). This is the lowest X-ray luminosity yet observed for a quiescent black hole X-ray binary, corresponding to an Eddington ratio $L_X/L_{\rm Edd} \sim 10^{-9}$. In 15 hours of observations with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, no radio continuum emission is detected to a $3σ$ limit of $< 2.8\ μ$Jy at 6 GHz. Including GS 2000+25, four quiescent stellar-mass black holes with $L_X < 10^{32}$ erg s$^{-1}$ have deep simultaneous radio and X-ray observations and known distances. These sources all have radio to X-ray luminosity ratios generally consistent with, but slightly lower than, the low state radio/X-ray correlation for stellar-mass black holes with $L_X > 10^{32}$ erg s$^{-1}$. Observations of these sources tax the limits of our current X-ray and radio facilities, and new routes to black hole discovery are needed to study the lowest-luminosity black holes.

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Simultaneous detection of an intrinsic absorber and a compact jet emission in the X-ray binary IGR J17091-3624 during a hard accretion state

We present a detailed analysis of three XMM-Newton observations of the black hole low-mass X-ray binary IGR~J17091-3624 taken during its 2016 outburst. Radio observations obtained with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) indicate the presence of a compact jet during all observations. From the best X-ray data fit results we concluded that the observations were taken during a transition from a hard accretion state to a hard-intermediate accretion state. For Observations 1 and 2 a local absorber can be identified in the EPIC-pn spectra but not in the RGS spectra, preventing us from distinguishing between absorption local to the source and that from the hot ISM component. For Observation 3, on the other hand, we have identified an intrinsic ionized static absorber in both EPIC-pn and RGS spectra. The absorber, observed simultaneously with a compact jet emission, is characterized by an ionization parameter of 1.96< log(ξ) <2.05 and traced mainly by Ne X, Mg XII, Si XIII and Fe XVIII.

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Quasi-simultaneous radio and X-ray observations of Aql X-1: probing low luminosities

Aql X-1 is one of the best-studied neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries. It was previously targeted using quasi-simultaneous radio and X-ray observations during at least 7 different accretion outbursts. Such observations allow us to probe the interplay between accretion inflow (X-ray) and jet outflow (radio). Thus far, these combined observations have only covered one order of magnitude in radio and X-ray luminosity range; this means that any potential radio - X-ray luminosity correlation, $L_R \propto L_X^β$, is not well constrained ($β\approx$ 0.4-0.9, based on various studies) or understood. Here we present quasi-simultaneous Very Large Array and Swift-XRT observations of Aql X-1's 2016 outburst, with which we probe one order of magnitude fainter in radio and X-ray luminosity compared to previous studies ($6 \times 10^{34} < L_X < 3 \times 10^{35}$ erg s$^{-1}$, i.e., the intermediate to low-luminosity regime between outburst peak and quiescence). The resulting radio non-detections indicate that Aql X-1's radio emission decays more rapidly at low X-ray luminosities than previously assumed - at least during the 2016 outburst. Assuming similar behaviour between outbursts, and combining all available data, this can be modelled as a steep $β=1.17^{+0.30}_{-0.21}$ power-law index or as a sharp radio cut-off at $L_X \lesssim 5 \times 10^{35}$ erg s$^{-1}$ (given our deep radio upper limits at X-ray luminosities below this value). We discuss these results in the context of other similar studies.

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MKT J170456.2-482100: the first transient discovered by MeerKAT

We report the discovery of the first transient with MeerKAT, MKT J170456.2$-$482100, discovered in ThunderKAT images of the low mass X-ray binary GX339$-$4. MKT J170456.2$-$482100 is variable in the radio, reaching a maximum flux density of $0.71\pm0.11\,\mathrm{mJy}$ on 2019 Oct 12, and is undetected in 15 out of 48 ThunderKAT epochs. MKT J170456.2$-$482100 is coincident with the chromospherically active K-type sub-giant TYC 8332-2529-1, and $\sim18\,\mathrm{years}$ of archival optical photometry of the star shows that it varies with a period of $21.25\pm0.04\,\mathrm{days}$. The shape and phase of the optical light curve changes over time, and we detect both X-ray and UV emission at the position of MKT J170456.2$-$482100, which may indicate that TYC 8332-2529-1 has large star spots. Spectroscopic analysis shows that TYC 8332-2529-1 is in a binary, and has a line-of-sight radial velocity amplitude of $43\,\mathrm{km\,s^{-1}}$. We also observe a spectral feature in anti-phase with the K-type sub-giant, with a line-of-sight radial velocity amplitude of $\sim12\pm10\,\mathrm{km\,s^{-1}}$, whose origins cannot currently be explained. Further observations and investigation are required to determine the nature of the MKT J170456.2$-$482100 system.

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Science with the Murchison Widefield Array: Phase I Results and Phase II Opportunities

The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) is an open access telescope dedicated to studying the low frequency (80$-$300 MHz) southern sky. Since beginning operations in mid 2013, the MWA has opened a new observational window in the southern hemisphere enabling many science areas. The driving science objectives of the original design were to observe 21\,cm radiation from the Epoch of Reionisation (EoR), explore the radio time domain, perform Galactic and extragalactic surveys, and monitor solar, heliospheric, and ionospheric phenomena. All together 60$+$ programs recorded 20,000 hours producing 146 papers to date. In 2016 the telescope underwent a major upgrade resulting in alternating compact and extended configurations. Other upgrades, including digital back-ends and a rapid-response triggering system, have been developed since the original array was commissioned. In this paper we review the major results from the prior operation of the MWA, and then discuss the new science paths enabled by the improved capabilities. We group these science opportunities by the four original science themes, but also include ideas for directions outside these categories.

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Discovery of a radio transient in M81

We report the discovery of a radio transient in the spiral galaxy M81. The transient was detected in early 2015 as part of a two-year survey of M81 made up of 12 epochs using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array. While undetected on 2014 September 12, the source was first detected on 2015 January 2, from which point it remained visible at an approximately constant luminosity of $L_{R} = 1.5 \pm 0.1 \times 10^{24}$erg s$^{-1}$ Hz$^{-1}$ at the observing frequency of 6 GHz for at least 2 months. Assuming this is a synchrotron event with a rise-time between 2.6 and 112 days, the peak luminosity (at equipartition) corresponds to a minimum energy of $10^{44} \lesssim E_{min} \lesssim 10^{46}$erg and jet power of $P_{min} \sim 10^{39}$erg s$^{-1}$, which are higher than most known X-ray binaries. Given its longevity, lack of short-term radio variability, and the absence of any multi-wavelength counterpart (X-ray luminosity $L_{X} \lesssim 10^{36}$erg s$^{-1}$), it does not behave like known Galactic or extragalactic X-ray binaries. The M81 transient radio properties more closely resemble the unidentified radio transient 43.78+59.3 discovered in M82, which has been suggested to be a radio nebula associated with an accreting source similar to SS 433. One possibility is that both the new M81 transient and the M82 transient may be the birth of a short-lived radio bubble associated with a discrete accretion event similar to those observed from the ULX Holmberg II X-1. However, it is not possible to rule out other identifications including long-term supernova shockwave interactions with the surrounding medium from a faint supernova or a background active galaxy.

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Potential Kick Velocity distribution of black hole X-ray binaries and implications for natal kicks

We use Very Long Baseline Interferometry to measure the proper motions of three black hole X-ray binaries (BHXBs). Using these results together with data from the literature and Gaia-DR2 to collate the best available constraints on proper motion, parallax, distance and systemic radial velocity of 16 BHXBs, we determined their three dimensional Galactocentric orbits. We extended this analysis to estimate the probability distribution for the potential kick velocity (PKV) a BHXB system could have received on formation. Constraining the kicks imparted to BHXBs provides insight into the birth mechanism of black holes (BHs). Kicks also have a significant effect on BH-BH merger rates, merger sites, and binary evolution, and can be responsible for spin-orbit misalignment in BH binary systems. $75\%$ of our systems have potential kicks $>70\,\rm{km~s^{-1}}$. This suggests that strong kicks and hence spin-orbit misalignment might be common among BHXBs, in agreement with the observed quasi-periodic X-ray variability in their power density spectra. We used a Bayesian hierarchical methodology to analyse the PKV distribution of the BHXB population, and suggest that a unimodal Gaussian model with a mean of $107\pm16\,\rm{km~s^{-1}}$ is a statistically favourable fit. Such relatively high PKVs would also reduce the number of BHs likely to be retained in globular clusters. We found no significant correlation between the BH mass and PKV, suggesting a lack of correlation between BH mass and the BH birth mechanism. Our Python code allows the estimation of the PKV for any system with sufficient observational constraints.

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Disk-jet coupling in the 2017/2018 outburst of the Galactic black hole candidate X-ray binary MAXI J1535-571

MAXI J1535-571 is a Galactic black hole candidate X-ray binary that was discovered going into outburst in 2017 September. In this paper, we present comprehensive radio monitoring of this system using the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), as well as the MeerKAT radio observatory, showing the evolution of the radio jet during its outburst. Our radio observations show the early rise and subsequent quenching of the compact jet as the outburst brightened and then evolved towards the soft state. We constrain the compact jet quenching factor to be more than 3.5 orders of magnitude. We also detected and tracked (for 303 days) a discrete, relativistically-moving jet knot that was launched from the system. From the motion of the apparently superluminal knot, we constrain the jet inclination (at the time of ejection) and speed to $\leq 45^{\circ}$ and $\geq0.69$c, respectively. Extrapolating its motion back in time, our results suggest that the jet knot was ejected close in time to the transition from the hard intermediate state to soft intermediate state. The launching event also occurred contemporaneously with a short increase in X-ray count rate, a rapid drop in the strength of the X-ray variability, and a change in the type-C quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) frequency that occurs $>$2.5 days before the first appearance of a possible type-B QPO.

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Observations of the Ultra-compact X-ray Binary 4U 1543-624 in Outburst with NICER, INTEGRAL, Swift, and ATCA

We report on X-ray and radio observations of the ultra-compact X-ray binary 4U 1543-624 taken in August 2017 during an enhanced accretion episode. We obtained NICER monitoring of the source over a $\sim10$ day period during which target-of-opportunity observations were also conducted with Swift, INTEGRAL, and ATCA. Emission lines were measured in the NICER X-ray spectrum at $\sim0.64$ keV and $\sim6.4$ keV that correspond to O and Fe, respectively. By modeling these line components, we are able to track changes in the accretion disk throughout this period. The innermost accretion flow appears to move inwards from hundreds of gravitational radii ($R_{g}=GM/c^{2}$) at the beginning of the outburst to $<8.7$ $R_{g}$ at peak intensity. We do not detect the source in radio, but are able to place a $3σ$ upper limit on the flux density at $27$ $μ$Jy beam$^{-1}$. Comparing the radio and X-ray luminosities, we find that the source lies significantly away from the range typical of black holes in the ${L}_{r}$-${L}_{x}$ plane, suggesting a neutron star (NS) primary. This adds to the evidence that NSs do not follow a single track in the ${L}_{r}$-${L}_{x}$ plane, limiting its use in distinguishing between different classes of NSs based on radio and X-ray observations alone.

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Evidence for rapid disk formation and reprocessing in the X-ray bright tidal disruption event AT 2018fyk

We present optical spectroscopic and Swift UVOT/XRT observations of the X-ray and UV/optical bright tidal disruption event (TDE) AT 2018fyk/ASASSN-18ul discovered by ASAS-SN. The Swift lightcurve is atypical for a TDE, entering a plateau after $\sim$40 days of decline from peak. After 80 days the UV/optical lightcurve breaks again to decline further, while the X-ray emission becomes brighter and harder. In addition to broad H, He and potentially O/Fe lines, narrow emission lines emerge in the optical spectra during the plateau phase. We identify both high ionisation (O III) and low ionisation (Fe II) lines, which are visible for $\sim$45 days. We similarly identify Fe II lines in optical spectra of ASASSN-15oi 330 d after discovery, indicating that a class of Fe-rich TDEs exists. The spectral similarity between AT 2018fyk, narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies and some extreme coronal line emitters suggests that TDEs are capable of creating similar physical conditions in the nuclei of galaxies. The Fe II lines can be associated with the formation of a compact accretion disk, as the emergence of low ionisation emission lines requires optically thick, high density gas. Taken together with the plateau in X-ray and UV/optical luminosity this indicates that emission from the central source is efficiently reprocessed into UV/optical wavelengths. Such a two-component lightcurve is very similar to that seen in the TDE candidate ASASSN-15lh, and is a natural consequence of a highly relativistic orbital pericenter.

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Puzzling Blue Dips in the Black Hole Candidate Swift J1357.2-0933, from ULTRACAM, SALT, ATCA, Swift and NuSTAR

We present rapid, multiwavelength photometry of the low-mass X-ray binary Swift J1357.2-0933 during its 2017 outburst. Using several sets of quasi-simultaneous ULTRACAM/NTT (optical), NuSTAR (X-ray), XRT/Swift (X-ray), SALT (optical) and ATCA (radio) observations taken during outburst decline, we confirm the frequent optical dipping that has previously been noted both in outburst and in quiescence. We also find: 1) that the dip frequency decreases as the outburst decays, similar to what was seen in the previous outburst, 2) that the dips produce a shape similar to that in binary systems with partial disc occultations, 3) that the source becomes significantly bluer during these dips, indicating an unusual geometry compared to other LMXB dippers, and 4) that dip superposition analysis confirms the lack of an X-ray response to the optical dips. These very unusual properties appear to be unique to Swift J1357.2-0933, and are likely the result of a high binary inclination, as inferred from features such as its very low outburst X-ray luminosity. From this analysis as well as X-ray/optical timing correlations, we suggest a model with multi-component emission/absorption features with differing colours. This could include the possible presence of a sporadically occulted jet base and a recessed disc. This source still hosts many puzzling features, with consequences for the very faint X-ray transients population.

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Rapidly evolving disk-jet coupling during re-brightenings in the black hole transient MAXI J1535-571

The main outburst of the candidate black hole low-mass X-ray binary (BH LMXB) MAXI J1535-571 ended in 2018 May and was followed by at least five episodes of re-brightenings. We have monitored this re-brightening phenomenon at X-ray and radio wavelengths using the {\it Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory} and Australia Telescope Compact Array, respectively. The first two re-brightenings exhibited a high peak X-ray luminosity (implying a high mass accretion rate) and were observed to transition from the hard to the soft state. However, unlike the main outburst, these re-brightenings did not exhibit clear hysteresis. During the re-brightenings, when MAXI J1535-571 was in the hard state, we observed the brightening of a compact radio jet which was subsequently quenched when the source transitioned to a similar soft state as was observed during the main outburst. We report on the first investigation of disk-jet coupling over multiple rapidly evolving re-brightenings in a BH LMXB. We find that the accretion flow properties and the accompanying compact jet evolve on a similarly rapid time scale of ~days rather than the typical value of ~weeks as observed for most other BH LMXBs during their main outburst events.

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An evolving jet from a strongly-magnetised accreting X-ray pulsar

Relativistic jets are observed throughout the Universe, strongly impacting their surrounding environments on all physical scales, from Galactic binary systems to galaxies and galaxy clusters. An important avenue to understand the formation of these jets is by characterising the systems and circumstances from which they are launched. Whenever a black hole or neutron star accretes matter, it appears to inevitably result in the launching of a jet, the only exception being the most common type of accreting neutron stars: those with strong ($B \geq 10^{12}$ G) magnetic fields. This exception has created the paradigm that strong magnetic fields inhibit the formation of jets. Here, we report the discovery of a jet launched by a strongly-magnetised neutron star that is accreting above the Eddington limit, disproving this long-standing paradigm. The radio luminosity of the jet is two orders of magnitude fainter than seen in other neutron stars, implying an important role for the neutron star's properties in regulating jet power. This jet detection necessitates fundamental revision of current neutron star jet models and opens up new tests of jet theory for all accreting systems. It also shows that the strong magnetic fields of ultra-luminous X-ray pulsars do not prevent such sources from launching jets.

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Bright mini-outburst ends the 12-year long activity of the black hole candidate Swift J1753.5-0127

We present optical, UV and X-ray monitoring of the short orbital period black hole X-ray binary candidate Swift J1753.5-0127, focusing on the final stages of its 12$-$year long outburst that started in 2005. From September 2016 onward, the source started to fade and within three months, the optical flux almost reached the quiescent level. Soon after that, using a new proposed rebrightening classification method we recorded a mini-outburst and a reflare in the optical light curves, peaking in February (V$\rm\sim$17.0) and May (V$\rm\sim$17.9) 2017, respectively. Remarkably, the mini-outburst has a peak flux consistent with the extrapolation of the slow decay before the fading phase preceding it. The following reflare was fainter and shorter. We found from optical colors that the temperature of the outer disk was $\sim 11$,000 K when the source started to fade rapidly. According to the disk instability model, this is close to the critical temperature when a cooling wave is expected to form in the disk, shutting down the outburst. The optical color could be a useful tool to predict decay rates in some X-ray transients. We notice that all X-ray binaries that show mini-outbursts following a main outburst are short orbital period systems ($<$ 7 h). In analogy with another class of short period binaries showing similar mini-outbursts, the cataclysmic variables of the RZ LMi type, we suggest mini-outbursts could occur if there is a hot inner disk at the end of the outburst decay.

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Optical IFU spectroscopy of a bipolar microquasar jet in NGC 300

We recently reported the discovery of a candidate jet-driving microquasar (S10) in the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 300. However, in the absence of kinematic information, we could not reliably determine the jet power or the dynamical age of the jet cavity. Here, we present optical MUSE integral field unit (IFU) observations of S10, which reveal a bipolar line-emitting jet structure surrounding a continuum-emitting central source. The optical jet lobes of S10 have a total extent of $\sim$ 40 pc and a shock velocity of $\sim$ 150 km s$^{-1}$. Together with the jet kinematics, we exploit the MUSE coverage of the Balmer H$β$ line to estimate the density of the surrounding matter and therefore compute the jet power to be $P_{jet}\approx$ 6.3 $\times$ 10$^{38}$ erg s$^{-1}$. An optical analysis of a microquasar jet bubble and a consequent robust derivation of the jet power have been possible only in a handful of similar sources. This study therefore adds valuable insight into microquasar jets, and demonstrates the power of optical integral field spectroscopy in identifying and analysing these objects.

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Radio Variability from a Quiescent Stellar Mass Black Hole Jet

Relativistic outflows are believed to be a common feature of black hole X-ray binaries at the lowest accretion rates, when they are in their `quiescent' spectral state. However, we still lack a detailed understanding of how quiescent jet emission varies with time. Here we present 24 years of archival radio observations (from the Very Large Array and the Very Long Baseline Array) of the black hole X-ray binary V404 Cygni in quiescence (totalling 150 observations from 1.4 -- 22 GHz). The observed flux densities follow lognormal distributions with means and standard deviations of ( , sigma) = (-0.53, 0.19) and (-0.53, 0.30) at 4.9 and 8.4 GHz, respectively (where f_nu is the flux density in units of mJy). As expected, the average radio spectrum is flat with a mean and standard deviation of ( , sigma_alpha_r)= (0.02, 0.65) where f_nu \propto nu^alpha_r. We find that radio flares that increase the flux density by factors of 2 -- 4 over timescales as short as <10 min are commonplace, and that long-term variations (over 10--4000 day timescales) are consistent with shot noise impulses that decay to stochastic variations on timescales <10 days (and perhaps as short as tens of minutes to several hours). We briefly compare the variability characteristics of V404 Cygni to jetted active galactic nuclei, and we conclude with recommendations on how to account for variability when placing quiescent black hole X-ray binary candidates with radio luminosities comparable to V404 Cygni (L_r ~ 1e28 erg/s) onto the radio/X-ray luminosity plane.

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Radio Frequency Timing Analysis of the Compact Jet in the Black Hole X-ray Binary Cygnus X-1

We present simultaneous multi-band radio and X-ray observations of the black hole X-ray binary Cygnus X-1, taken with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array and the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array. With these data, we detect clear flux variability consistent with emission from a variable compact jet. To probe how the variability signal propagates down the jet flow, we perform detailed timing analyses of our data. We find that the radio jet emission shows no significant power at Fourier frequencies $f\gtrsim0.03$ Hz (below $\sim30$ sec timescales), and that the higher frequency radio bands (9/11 GHz) are strongly correlated over a range of timescales, displaying a roughly constant time lag with Fourier frequency of a few tens of seconds. However, in the lower frequency radio bands (2.5/3.5 GHz) we find a significant loss of coherence over the same range of timescales. Further, we detect a correlation between the X-ray/radio emission, measuring time lags between the X-ray/radio bands on the order of tens of minutes. We use these lags to solve for the compact jet speed, finding that the Cyg X-1 jet is more relativistic than usually assumed for compact jets, where $β=0.92^{+0.03}_{-0.06}$, ($Γ=2.59^{+0.79}_{-0.61}$). Lastly, we constrain how the jet size scale changes with frequency, finding a shallower relation ($\propto ν^{-0.4}$) than predicted by simple jet models ($\propto ν^{-1}$), and estimate a jet opening angle of $ϕ\sim0.4-1.8$ degrees. With this study, we have developed observational techniques designed to overcome the challenges of radio timing analyses and created the tools needed to connect rapid radio jet variability properties to internal jet physics.

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