arXiv subjects

L. Ducci

Publications and source records attributed to L. Ducci.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Ultraluminous X-ray sources in the first eROSITA survey I. Candidate catalogs

Ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) are luminous non-nuclear X-ray point sources embedded in galaxies. Their luminosities exceeding 10^39 erg/s potentially require sub-Eddington accretion by objects with masses from ~10^2$M_{\odot}$ to ~10^4$M_{\odot}$ or supercritical accretion beyond the Eddington limit by stellar mass black holes or neutron stars. We identified ULXs by searching for X-ray counterparts in the ~10^5 galaxies of the HECATE catalog in the footprint of the first eROSITA all-sky survey, while excluding nuclear regions to avoid the selection of active galactic nuclei (AGN). We characterized the completeness of the sample and its contamination by unidentified AGN and determined the influence of source confusion. The catalog is unaffected by X-ray selection biases. We removed known contaminants such as supernovae, stars, and AGN, and manually vetted all candidates to further remove contaminants. We derived the X-ray selection function and fraction of unidentified AGN interlopers using a simulation with subsequent source detection. We present two samples of ULX candidates. The main sample consists of 90 sources with highly confident X-ray detections, 53 of which are identified for the first time. This sample is complete to a distance of ~7Mpc, contains at most 29% of unknown background AGN, and is mostly unaffected by source confusion. Several candidates are newly identified even though their locations have been observed by other instruments before, and some previously reported candidates we expected to identify are absent from our sample, demonstrating the transient behavior of ULXs. Based on our list of less confident detections, we also provide an extended catalog of 260 sources identified as potential candidates for further ULX identifications. Of these, 245 are identified as potential candidates for the first time. (Abridged)

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

The SRG/eROSITA All-Sky Survey DR2: Cumulative X-ray catalogues from the first three surveys and multi-wavelength counterparts in the western Galactic hemisphere

The eROSITA telescope array on board the Spektrum-Roentgen-Gamma (SRG) mission began its all-sky survey program in December 2019, scanning the sky at an approximately six-month cadence. Here, we present new catalogues of point-like and extended X-ray sources derived from the first three completed eROSITA all-sky surveys (eRASS:3), covering the western Galactic hemisphere, which Germany's eROSITA consortium holds proprietary rights for. We describe the observational strategy, data processing, and analysis pipelines. We also characterise the resulting X-ray source populations. The eRASS:3 main catalogue contains nearly two million sources, including 1,911,744 point-like and 63,796 extended sources, detected in the 0.2-2.3 keV energy band, eROSITA's most sensitive energy window. This volume has doubled the X-ray source content of eRASS1 and provides a comprehensive census of X-ray-emitting objects across diverse astrophysical classes. We also released a secondary hard catalogue of nearly 15,000 sources detected in the harder 2.3-5.0 keV energy band. In addition, we released six catalogues, three for the main sample and three for the hard sample, in which we identify and classify the optical and infrared counterparts of eRASS:3 point-like sources. This approach delivers a homogeneous, high-quality identification of mostly extragalactic X-ray emitters; for example, we estimate that approximately 88% of the 1.4 million counterparts identified within the footprints of the Legacy Survey Imaging for DESI are extragalactic sources. This work has enabled the generation of samples optimised for completeness and purity, while expanding the discovery space for rare populations. The second data release (DR2) of the SRG/eROSITA all-sky survey is a catalogue-only release, comprising the catalogues presented in this work together with an updated version of the eROSITA upper flux limit server.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Double-hump spectrum, pulse profile dip, and pulsed fraction spectra from the low-accretion regime in the X-ray pulsar MAXI J0655-013

Accreting X-ray pulsars (XRPs) undergo different physical regimes depending on the mass accretion rate. Recent observations have shown a dramatic change in the emission properties of this class of sources observed at low luminosity. We explore the timing and spectral properties of the XRP MAXI J0655-013 observed in the low-luminosity regime (about 5x$10^{33}$ erg/s) to witness the corresponding spectral shape and pulse profiles. We employ recent $XMM$ and $NuSTAR$ pointed observations of the MAXI J0655-013 X-ray activity during the low-luminosity stage. We explore several spectral models to fit the data and test theoretical expectations of the dramatic transition of the spectral shape. We study the pulsating nature of the source and find a phase-connected timing solution. We explore the energy-resolved pulse profiles and the derived energy-dependence of different pulsed fraction estimators ($PF_{minmax}$ and $PF_{rms}$). We also obtain $NuSTAR$ pulsed fraction spectra (PFS) at different luminosity regimes. MAXI J0655-013 spectrum is well fitted by a double Comptonization model, in agreement with recent observational results and theoretical expectations that explain the observed spectrum as being composed of two distinct bumps, each dominated by different polarization modes. We measure a spin period of $1081.86\pm0.02$ s, consistent with the source spinning-up compared to previous observations, yielding an upper limit for the magnetic field strength of B<9x$10^{13}$ G. The pulse profiles show a single broad peak interrupted by a sharp dip that coincides with an increase in the hardness ratio. For the low-luminosity observation, the $PF_{minmax}$ increases with energy up to $\sim100\%$ in the 10-30 keV band, while the $PF_{rms}$ remains steady at $\sim60\%$. The PFS obtained at high luminosity shows evidence of an iron $K\alpha$ emission line but no indications of a cyclotron line.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

A magnetar outburst with atypical evolution: the case of Swift J1555.2-5402

The magnetar Swift J1555.2-5402 was discovered in outburst on 2021 June 3 by the Burst Alert Telescope on board the Swift satellite. Early X-ray follow-up revealed a spin period P~3.86 s, a period derivative Pdot~3e-11 s/s, dozens of short bursts, and an unusually flux decline. We report here on the X-ray monitoring of Swift J1555.2-5402 over the first ~29 months of its outburst with Swift, NICER, NuSTAR, INTEGRAL and Insight-HXMT, as well as radio observations with Parkes soon after the outburst onset. The observed 0.3-10 keV flux remained at levels >~1e-11 erg/cm^2/s for nearly 500 days before dropping by a factor of ~10 from its June 2021 peak towards the end of the monitoring campaign. During this time span, the spectrum was dominated by a single blackbody, with temperature attaining approximately a constant value (~1.2 keV) while the inferred radius shrank from ~1.7 km to ~0.3 km (assuming a source distance of 10 kpc). The long-term spin-down rate (Pdot~3.6e-11 s/s) is only ~15 % higher than that measured in the first 30 days. No periodic or burst-like radio emission was detected, in line with what has been previously reported using different radio facilities. The persistently high temperature, shrinking hotspot, and a prolonged bright flux plateau followed by a fast dimming observed during the outburst evolution pose a challenge for the outburst mechanisms proposed so far.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Discovery of a 9.67-s pulsar in an ultraluminous X-ray source in NGC 4631 with XMM-Newton

Thanks to a recent observation with XMM-Newton, we discovered periodic pulsations at P= 9.6652 +/- 0.0002 s in a new ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) in the galaxy NGC 4631. This source, dubbed as X-8, shows one of the largest spin-up rates ever observed, dP/dt = (-9.6 +/- 0.5)*1E-8 s/s. These findings indicate that the compact object is a neutron star, and X-8 is a new member of the pulsating ULX class. The 0.3-10 keV luminosity of X-8 is ~3.4E39 erg/s, and its X-ray spectrum can be described by an absorbed disk blackbody or a cut-off power law, similar to what is observed in other pulsating ULXs. We discuss two possible causes for the large spin-up rate: Doppler shift from orbital motion of the neutron star and intrinsic spin-up due to accretion torque. This new ULX pulsar adds a key source to the small known population, and will enable future studies to better constrain the physical mechanisms responsible for their super-Eddington luminosities.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Ultra-luminous X-ray pulsars as sources of TeV neutrinos

We explored the expected properties of the neutrino emission from accreting neutron stars in X-ray binaries using numerical simulations. The simulations are based on a model in which neutrinos are produced by the decay of charged pions and kaons, generated in inelastic collisions between protons accelerated up to TeV energies in the magnetosphere of a magnetized (B~1E12 G) neutron star and protons of the accretion disc. Our results show that this process can produce strong neutrino emission up to a few tens of TeV when the X-ray luminosity is above ~1E39 erg/s, as in ultra-luminous X-ray (ULX) pulsars. We show that neutrinos from a transient Galactic ULX pulsar with L_x ~ 5E39 erg/s can be detected with kilometre-scale detectors such as IceCube if the source is within about 3-4 kpc. We also derived an upper limit on the neutrino flux from the Galactic ULX pulsar Swift J0243.6+6124 using IceCube data, a result that has not been previously reported. Our findings establish a new benchmark for future astrophysical neutrino observations, critical for interpreting data from current and upcoming instruments with significantly improved sensitivity.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Discovery of 146.8 s pulsations from EP J005146.9-730930, a new transient Be/X-ray binary in the SMC

Recent observations of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) with Einstein Probe (EP) revealed a new transient X-ray source, most likely identified as Be/X-ray binary. To characterise the X-ray properties of EP J005146.9-730930 and in particular to look for pulsations in the X-ray flux, we triggered an XMM-Newton anticipated target of opportunity observation. To follow the flux evolution during the outburst we monitored the source for about three months with the Follow-up X-ray Telescope of EP. The XMM-Newton observation was performed on 2024 September 15 and we used the data from the European Photon Imaging Camera (EPIC) for detailed spectral and timing analyses. The EPIC X-ray spectrum is well described by an absorbed power law with photon index of 1.25 +/- 0.04 and the timing analysis revealed pulsations with 146.79 +\- 0.03 s. The source flux had decreased by a factor of about 10 since the observed maximum about one month before the XMM-Newton observation. EP J005146.9-730930 was never detected significantly during serendipitous observations before September 2024. The characteristics of the X-ray brightening suggest the source was discovered during a type II outburst reaching an X-ray peak luminosity of ~2 x 10^37 erg/s. The trend of spectral hardening towards higher luminosities observed by EP suggests that the source is accreting below the critical luminosity, yielding an estimated lower limit for the pulsar magnetic field strength of 3.3 x 10^12 G. The improved X-ray position confirms the candidate Be star OGLE J005147.58-730924.7 as optical counterpart. We conclude that EP J005146.9-730930 = SXP 146.8 is a new Be/X-ray binary pulsar in the SMC.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

X-ray spectroscopy method of white dwarf mass determination in intermediate polars. External systematic uncertainties

The masses of white dwarfs (WDs) in intermediate polars (IPs) can be determined from the shape of their hard X-ray spectra. Here we study the importance of all possible systematic uncertainties in this X-ray spectroscopy method, including finite radii and rotation of magnetospheres, finite accretion column height and accretion-flow inclination relative to the WD surface. We also investigate the importance of accretion-heated envelopes on WD surfaces in IPs which are increasing WD radii. Their presence changes the commonly used mass-radius relation for cold white dwarfs. As a first approximation we use thick ($10^{-4}M_\odot$) hydrogen envelope models with a surface temperature of 30 kK. We present a new model grid of hard X-ray spectra of high-luminous IPs computed among other things with using a new mass-radius relation. This grid is used for fitting Swift/BAT spectra of 47 IPs. The average WD mass in this sample is 0.82 $M_\odot$ and coincides with the average WD mass in cataclysmic variables obtained by optical methods. This means that the calculated hard X-ray spectra and the assumptions made that the magnetospheric radii in IPs are close to the corotation radii, and the relative heights of the accretion columns are small are basically correct, because most IPs have high luminosities. But this universal grid (as well as previous universal grids) cannot give correct results for the low-luminous IPs with probably relatively tall accretion columns on the WD surfaces. Such IPs have to be investigated with individual accretion column models.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

The high-energy cyclotron line in 2S 1417-624 discovered with Insight-HXMT during the 2018 outburst

We report a detailed timing and spectral analysis of the X-ray pulsar 2S~1417-624 using the data from Insight-HXMT during the 2018 outburst. The pulse profiles are highly variable with respect to both unabsorbed flux and energy. A double-peaked pulse profile from the low flux evolved to a multi-peaked shape in the high-flux state. The pulse fraction is negatively correlated to the source flux in the range of $\sim$(1--6)$\ \times \ 10^{-9}$ erg cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$, consistent with \textit{Rossi} X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) studies during the 2009 giant outburst. The energy-resolved pulse profiles around the peak outburst showed a four-peak shape in the low-energy bands and gradually evolved to triple peaks at higher energies. The continuum spectrum is well described by typical phenomenological models, such as the cut-off power law and the power law with high-energy cut-off models. Notably, we discovered high-energy cyclotron resonant scattering features (CRSFs) for the first time, which are around 100 keV with a statistical significance of $\sim$7$\sigma$ near the peak luminosity of the outburst. This CRSF line is significantly detected with different continuum models and provides very robust evidence for its presence. Furthermore, pulse-phase-resolved spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the line, whose energy varied from 97 to 107 keV over the pulse phase and appeared to have a maximum value at the narrow peak phase of the profiles.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Searching for redshifted 2.2 MeV neutron-capture lines from accreting neutron stars: Theoretical X-ray luminosity requirements and INTEGRAL/SPI observations

Accreting neutron stars (NSs) are expected to emit a redshifted 2.2 MeV line due to the capture of neutrons produced through the spallation processes of $^4$He and heavier ions in their atmospheres. Detecting this emission would offer an independent method for constraining the equation of state of NSs and provide valuable insights into nuclear reactions occurring in extreme gravitational and magnetic environments. Typically, a higher mass accretion rate is expected to result in a higher 2.2 MeV line intensity. However, when the mass accretion rate approaches the critical threshold, the accretion flow is decelerated by the radiative force, leading to a less efficient production of free neutrons and a corresponding drop in the flux of the spectral line. This makes the brightest X-ray pulsars unsuitable candidates for gamma-ray line detection. In this work, we present a theoretical framework for predicting the optimal X-ray luminosity required to detect a redshifted 2.2 MeV line in a strongly magnetized NS. As the INTEGRAL mission nears its conclusion, we have undertaken a thorough investigation of the SPI data of this line in a representative sample of accreting NSs. No redshifted 2.2 MeV line was detected. For each spectrum, we have determined the 3-sigma upper limits of the line intensity, assuming different values of the line width. Our findings suggest that advancing our understanding of the emission mechanism of the 2.2 MeV line, as well as the accretion flow responsible for it, will require a substantial increase in sensitivity from future MeV missions. For example, for a bright X-ray binary such as Sco X-1, we would need at least a 3-sigma line point source sensitivity of ~1E-6 ph/cm^2/s, that is, about two orders of magnitude better than that currently achieved. [Abridged]

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Soft X-ray emission from the classical nova AT 2018bej

Classical novae are known to demonstrate a supersoft X-ray source (SSS) state following outbursts, which is associated with residual thermonuclear burning on the white dwarf (WD) surface. During its all-sky survey (eRASS1), the eROSITA telescope onboard the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma observatory discovered a bright new SSS, whose position is consistent with the known classical nova AT 2018bej in the Large Magellanic Cloud. There were two eROSITA spectra obtained during eRASS1 and eRASS2 monitoring epochs and one XMM-Newton grating spectrum close to the eRASS1 epoch. We aim to describe the eROSITA and XMM-Newton spectra of AT 2018bej with our local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) atmosphere models. We focused on the evolution of the hot WD properties between the eRASS1 and eRASS2 epochs, especially on the change of the carbon abundance. A grid of LTE model atmosphere spectra were calculated for different values of the effective temperature (from $T_{\rm eff}= 525$ to $700\,\rm kK$), surface gravity (six values) and chemical composition with five different values of carbon and nitrogen abundances. Both eRASS1 and XMM $0.3-0.6$ keV spectral analyses yield a temperature of the WD of $T_{\rm eff}{\sim}\,600\, \rm kK$ and a WD radius of $8000-8700\,\rm km$. Simultaneous fitting of the eROSITA spectra for two epochs (eRASS1 and eRASS2) with a common WD mass parameter demonstrates a decrease in $T_{\rm eff}$ accompanied by an increase in the WD radius and a decrease in the carbon abundance. However, these changes are marginal and coincide within errors. The derived WD mass is estimated to be $1.05-1.15\, M_\odot$. We traced a minor evolution of the source on a half-year timescale accompanied by a decrease in carbon abundance and concluded that LTE model atmospheres can be used to analyse the available X-ray spectra of classical novae during their SSS stage.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Probing the emission mechanism and nature of the pulsating compact object in the X-ray binary SAX J1324.4-6200

Recently, there has been renewed interest in the Be X-ray binary (Be/XRB) SAX J1324.4-6200 because of its spatial coincidence with a gamma-ray source detected by Fermi/LAT. To explore more thoroughly its properties, new observations were carried out in 2023 by NuSTAR, XMM-Newton, and Swift, jointly covering the energy range 0.2-79 keV. The X-ray spectrum of SAX J1324.4-6200 fits well with an absorbed power law with a high energy cut-off. We measured a NuSTAR spin period of 175.8127 +/- 0.0036 s and an XMM-Newton spin period of 175.862 +/- 0.025 s. All the available spin period measurements of SAX J1324.4-6200, spanning 29 years, are correlated with time, resulting in a remarkably stable spin-down of dP/dt=(6.09 +/- 0.06)*1E-9 s/s. If SAX J1324.4-6200 hosts an accretion powered pulsar, accretion torque models indicate a surface magnetic field of ~1E12-1E13 G. The X-ray properties emerging from our analysis strenghten the hypothesis that SAX J1324.4-6200 belongs to the small group of persistent Be/XRBs. We also performed radio observations with the Parkes Murriyang telescope, to search for radio pulsations. However, no radio pulsations compatible with the rotational ephemeris of SAX J1324.4-6200 were detected. We rule out the hypothesis that SAX J1324.4-6200 is a gamma-ray binary where the emission is produced by interactions between the pulsar and the companion winds. Other models commonly used to account for the production of gamma-rays in accreting pulsars cannot reproduce the bright emission from SAX J1324.4-6200. We examined other mechanisms for the gamma-ray emission and noted that there is a ~0.5% chance probability that an unknown extragalactic AGN observed through the Galactic plane may coincidentally fall within the Fermi/LAT error circle of the source and be the responsible of the gamma-ray emission. [Abridged]

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

The polarization of the boundary layer around weakly magnetized neutron stars in X-ray binaries

X-ray binaries hosting a compact object have been among the main targets of the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) since its launch, due to their high brightness in the 2-8 keV energy band. The spectropolarimetric analysis performed so far has proved to be of great importance in providing constraints on the accretion geometry of these systems. However, the data statistics is not enough to unambiguously disentangle the contribution of the single components to the net observed polarimetric signal. In this work, we aim to present a model for computing the polarization degree and polarization angle of the boundary layer around weakly magnetized neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries in the soft state. The main motivation is to provide strong theoretical support to data interpretation of observations performed by IXPE or future satellites for X-ray polarimetry. The results were obtained by modeling the boundary layer as an equatorial belt around the compact object and locally approximating it as a plane-parallel scattering atmosphere, for which the associated radiative transfer equation for polarized radiation in the Thomson limit was solved. The polarimetric quantities were then transformed from the comoving frame to the observer frame using the numerical methods formerly developed for X-ray pulsars. For typical values of the optical depth and electron temperature of the boundary layer of these systems in a soft state, the polarization degree was less then 0.5\%, while the polarization angle was rotated by $\protect \la 5^{\circ}$ with respect to the neutron star spin axis due to special and general relativistic effects for fast rotation, the amount progressively decreasing for lower spin frequencies. The derived quantities can be used to remove degeneracy when multicomponent spectropolarimetry is performed.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

Swift, NuSTAR, and INTEGRAL observations of the symbiotic X-ray binary IGR J16194-2810

We report on a simultaneous observational campaign with both Swift/XRT and NuSTAR targeting the symbiotic X-ray binary IGR J16194-2810. The main goal of the campaign was to investigate the possible presence of cyclotron scattering absorption features in the broad-band spectrum of the source, and help advance our understanding of the process of neutron star formation via the accretion-induced collapse of a white dwarf. The 1-30 keV spectrum of the source, as measured during our campaign, did not reveal the presence of any statistically significant absorption feature. The spectrum could be well described using a model comprising a thermal black-body hot component, most likely emerging from the surface of the accreting neutron star, and a power-law with no measurable cut-off energy (and affected by a modest absorption column density). Compared to previous analyses in the literature, we could rule out the presence of a colder thermal component emerging from an accretion disk, compatible with the idea that IGR J16194-2810 is a wind-fed binary (as most of the symbiotic X-ray binaries). Our results were strengthened by exploiting the archival XRT and INTEGRAL data, extending the validity of the spectral model used up to 0.3-40 keV and demonstrating that IGR J16194-2810 is unlikely to undergo significant spectral variability over time in the X-ray domain.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

Modeling and Simulating X-ray Spectra

X-ray spectroscopy is a powerful technique for the analysis of the energy distribution of X-rays from astrophysical sources. It allows for the study of the properties, composition, and physical processes taking place at the site of emission. X-ray spectral analysis methods are diverse, as they often need to be tailored to the specific type of instrument used to collect the data. In addition, these methods advance together with the improvement of the technology of the telescopes and detectors. Here, we present a compact overview of the common procedures currently employed in this field. We describe the fundamental data structure and the essential auxiliary information required for conducting spectral analysis and we explore some of the most relevant aspects related to statistical and computational challenges in X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, we outline some practical scenarios in the context of data reduction, modeling and fitting of spectra, and spectral simulations.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

Modelling the expected very high energy gamma-ray emission from accreting neutron stars in X-ray binaries

The detection of gamma-ray emission from accreting pulsars in X-ray binaries (XRBs) has long been sought after. For some high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs), marginal detections have recently been reported. Regardless of whether these will be confirmed or not, future telescopes operating in the gamma-ray band could offer the sensitivity needed to achieve solid detections and possibly spectra. In view of future observational advances, we explored the expected emission above 10 GeV from XRBs, based on the Cheng & Ruderman model, where gamma-ray photons are produced by the decay of pion-0 originated by protons accelerated in the magnetosphere of an accreting pulsar fed by an accretion disc. We improved this model by considering, through Monte Carlo simulations, the development of cascades inside of and outside the accretion disc, taking into account pair and photon production processes that involve interaction with nuclei, X-ray photons from the accretion disc, and the magnetic field. We produced grids of solutions for different input parameter values of the X-ray luminosity (L_x), magnetic field strength (B), and for different properties of the region where acceleration occurs. We found that the gamma-ray luminosity spans more than five orders of magnitude, with a maximum of ~1E35 erg/s. The gamma-ray spectra show a large variety of shapes: some have most of the emission below ~100 GeV, others are harder (emission up to 10-100 TeV). We compared our results with Fermi/LAT and VERITAS detections and upper-limits of two HMXBs: A0535+26 and GROJ1008-57. More consequential comparisons will be possible when more sensitive instruments will be operational in the coming years.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

Timing analysis of Swift J0243.6+6124 with NICER and Fermi/GBM during the decay phase of the 2017-2018 outburst

We present a timing and noise analysis of the Be/X-ray binary system Swift J0243.6+6124 during its 2017-2018 super-Eddington outburst using NICER/XTI observations. We apply a synthetic pulse timing analysis to enrich the Fermi/GBM spin frequency history of the source with the new measurements from NICER/XTI. We show that the pulse profiles switch from double-peaked to single-peaked when the X-ray luminosity drops below $\sim$$7\times 10^{36}$ erg s$^{-1}$. We suggest that this transitional luminosity is associated with the transition from a pencil beam pattern to a hybrid beam pattern when the Coulomb interactions become ineffective to decelerate the accretion flow, which implies a dipolar magnetic field strength of $\sim$$5\times 10^{12}$ G. We also obtained the power density spectra (PDS) of the spin frequency derivative fluctuations. The red noise component of the PDS is found to be steeper ($\omega^{-3.36}$) than the other transient accreting sources. We find significantly high noise strength estimates above the super-Eddington luminosity levels, which may arise from the torque fluctuations due to interactions with the quadrupole fields at such levels.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

X-ray flashes from the low-mass X-ray binary IGR J17407-2808

IGR J17407-2808 is an enigmatic and poorly studied X-ray binary that was recently observed quasi-simultaneously with NuSTAR and XMM-Newton. In this paper we report the results of this observational campaign. During the first 60 ks of observation, the source was caught in a relatively low emission state, characterised by a modest variability and an average flux of ~8.3E-13 erg/cm^2/s (4-60 keV). Afterwards, IGR J17407-2808 entered a significantly more active emission state that persisted for the remaining ~40 ks of the NuSTAR observation. During this state, IGR J17407-2808 displayed several fast X-ray flares, featuring durations of ~1-100 s and profiles with either single or multiple peaks. The source flux in the flaring state reached values as high as 2E-9 erg/cm^2/s (4-60 keV), leading to a measured dynamic range during the NuSTAR and XMM-Newton campaign of >~ 10^3. We also analysed available archival photometric near-infrared data of IGR J17407-2808 to improve the constraints available so far on the the nature of the donor star hosted in this system. Our analysis shows that the donor star can be either a rare K or M-type sub-subgiant or an K type main sequence star, or sub-giant star. Our findings support the classification of IGR J17407-2808 as a low-mass X-ray binary. We discuss the source X-ray behaviour as recorded by NuSTAR and XMM-Newton in view of this revised classification.

astro-ph.HE↗