arXiv subjects

Ndiogou Niang

Publications and source records attributed to Ndiogou Niang.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Evolution of Calvera and Descendants of Calvera-like Central Compact Objects

Calvera (1RXS J141256.0+792204) is an isolated neutron star recently classified as a central compact object (CCO) after its association with the supernova remnant (SNR) candidate G118.4+37.0. In this work, we investigate the long-term evolution and descendants of Calvera and the CCOs with similar initial conditions in the fallback disc model. We show that the observed spin period, period derivative, and X-ray luminosity of Calvera can be reproduced simultaneously with a magnetic field strength of $\simeq 4 \times 10^{10}$ G at the pole of the neutron star at an age of $\sim 10^4$ yr which is consistent with the estimated SNR age of the source. In the model, the lack of ordinary radio pulsations is due to ongoing mass accretion on to the star. From our simulations, we estimate that the source will become an ordinary radio pulsar (RP) after the termination of the accretion. The source will spin down under the weak dipole torque alone as an RP for a very long time ($\gtrsim 10^8$ yr) after the inactivation of the disc. From our simulations, we find that most of the CCOs with initial conditions similar to those of Calvera also become RPs which remain above or close to the upper border of the pulsar death valley after the inactivation of their discs. In the period-period derivative diagram, there is indeed a cluster of RPs in the region where the descendants of Calvera-like CCOs are estimated to be located in our model.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

The Torques Acting on Accreting Millisecond X-Ray Pulsars in the Outburst and Quiescent States, and During the Long-Term Evolution

Accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars (AMXPs) are transient X-ray sources likely to be in the final evolutionary phases of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs). In this work, we have investigated the torque and X-ray luminosity variations of five AMXPs during outburst and quiescence, using a model previously employed to explain some typical behaviours of LMXBs. Most of these systems spin up in the outburst state and spin down in quiescence, while they slow down on the long term. We have obtained reasonable results with the model in agreement with these observations. We have found that the torques produced by the disc-magnetosphere interaction, the magnetic dipole radiation, and the mass accretion are compatible with the X-ray luminosity and rotational properties of the sources in their outburst and quiescent states, and during the resultant long-term evolution. Nevertheless, our results are not sufficient to rule out the spin-down contribution of the gravitational radiation torques due to significant timing noise and uncertainties about the bolometric corrections for X-ray luminosity during the outbursts of some sources.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Binary and neutron star evolution in low-mass X-ray binaries on the evolutionary tracks of accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars

Neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) are the progenitors of millisecond pulsars. In these systems, old neutron stars (NSs) can be spun up during a long-lasting accretion phase. The discovery of accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars (AMXPs) and transitional millisecond pulsars has provided key observational insights into the connection between millisecond pulsars and LMXBs. In this work, we have investigated both the binary system and the individual NS evolution leading to AMXP properties. We use MESA to analyse the binary evolution of LMXBs, following three distinct evolutionary tracks defined by the AMXP donor types. We find that while the magnetic braking index may affect the mass-transfer history, the initial orbital period is the most influential parameter that shapes the overall binary evolution. We use the mass accretion histories estimated from these binary simulations to study the rotational evolution of NSs employing the model that can account for torque-luminosity relations and the lack of X-ray pulses from most of these systems. With reasonable model parameters, our model results are in agreement with the typical properties of AMXPs. For these AMXP sources from each evolutionary track, we have shown that the model can reproduce the NS and binary properties simultaneously. Finally, we discuss the time-scales of different evolutionary paths, as well as the conditions under which these systems could be detectable at various stages of their evolution.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

On the lack of X-ray pulsation in most neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries

We have investigated whether the lack of X-ray pulsations from most neutron star (NS) low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) could be due to the extension of their inner disc to the NS surface. To estimate the inner disc radii, we have employed the model, recently proposed to account for the torque reversals of LMXBs. In this model, the inner disc radius depends on the spin period as well as the dipole moment and the mass inflow rate of the disc. Our model results indicate that most LMXBs have mass accretion rates above the minimum critical rates required for the inner disc to reach down to the NS surface and thereby quench the pulsed X-ray emission. For most sources X-ray pulsations are allowed when the period decreases below a certain critical value. For the same parameters, the model is also consistent with the observed X-ray luminosity ranges of the individual accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars (AMXPs). The paucity of AMXPs compared to the majority population of non-pulsing LMXBs is explained, as well as the fact that AMXPs are transient sources.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

On the torque reversals of 4U 1626--67

We have investigated the detailed torque-reversal behavior of 4U 1626--67 in the framework of the recently developed comprehensive model of the inner disk radius and torque calculations for neutron stars accreting from geometrically thin disks. The model can reproduce the torque -- X-ray luminosity relation across the torque reversals of 4U 1626--67. Our results imply that: (1) rotational equilibrium is reached when the inner disk radius equals the co-rotation radius, $r_\mathrm{co}$, while the conventional Alfven radius is greater than and close to $r_\mathrm{co}$, (2) both spin-up and spin-down torques are operating on either side of torque reversal, (3) with increasing accretion rate the spin-up torque associated with accretion onto the star gradually dominates the spin-down torque exerted by the disk. The torque reversals are the natural outcome of transitions between the well-defined weak-propeller and spin-up phases of the star with a stable geometrically thin accretion disk.

astro-ph.HE↗