arXiv subjects

Rüdiger Staubert

Publications and source records attributed to Rüdiger Staubert.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Determination of X-ray pulsar geometry with IXPE polarimetry

Using observations of X-ray pulsar Her X-1 by the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, we report on a highly significant ($>17σ$) detection of the polarization signal from an accreting neutron star. The observed degree of the linear polarization of $\sim$10\% is found to be far below theoretical expectations for this object, and stays low throughout the spin cycle of the pulsar. Both the polarization degree and the angle exhibit variability with pulse phase, which allowed us to measure the pulsar spin position angle 57(2) deg and the magnetic obliquity 12(4) deg, which is an essential step towards detailed modelling of the intrinsic emission of X-ray pulsars. Combining our results with the optical polarimetric data, we find that the spin axis of the neutron star and the angular momentum of the binary orbit are misaligned by at least $\sim$20 deg, which is a strong argument in support of the models explaining stability of the observed super-orbital variability with the precession of the neutron star.

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arXiv2021

A broad-band X-ray view of the precessing accretion disk and pre-eclipse dip in the pulsar Her X-1 with NuSTAR and XMM-Newton

We present a broad-band X-ray timing study of the variations in pulse behavior with superorbital cycle in the low-mass X-ray binary Her X-1. This source shows a 35-day superorbital modulation in X-ray flux that is likely caused by occultation by a warped, precessing accretion disk. Our data set consists of four joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of Her X-1 which sample a complete superorbital cycle. We focus our analysis on the first and fourth observations, which occur during the bright "main-on" phase, because these observations have strongly detected pulsations. We added an archival XMM-Newton observation during the "short-on" phase of the superorbital cycle since our observations at that phase are lower in signal to noise. We find that the energy-resolved pulse profiles show the same shape at similar superorbital phases and the profiles are consistent with expectations from a precessing disk. We demonstrate that a simple precessing accretion disk model is sufficient to reproduce the observed pulse profiles. The results of this model suggest that the similarities in the observed pulse profiles are due to reprocessing by a precessing disk that has returned to its original precession phase. We determine that the broad-band spectrum is well fit by an absorbed power law with a soft blackbody component, and show that the spectral continuum also exhibits dependence on the superorbital cycle. We also present a brief analysis of the energy resolved light curves of a pre-eclipse dip, which shows soft X-ray absorption and hard X-ray variability during the dip.

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arXiv2020

Advances in Understanding High-Mass X-ray Binaries with INTEGRAL and Future Directions

High mass X-ray binaries are among the brightest X-ray sources in the Milky Way, as well as in nearby Galaxies. Thanks to their highly variable emissions and complex phenomenology, they have attracted the interest of the high energy astrophysical community since the dawn of X-ray Astronomy. In more recent years, they have challenged our comprehension of physical processes in many more energy bands, ranging from the infrared to very high energies. In this review, we provide a broad but concise summary of the physical processes dominating the emission from high mass X-ray binaries across virtually the whole electromagnetic spectrum. These comprise the interaction of stellar winds with the high gravitational and magnetic fields of compact objects, the behaviour of matter under extreme magnetic and gravity conditions, and the perturbation of the massive star evolutionary processes by presence in a binary system. We highlight the role of the INTEGRAL mission in the discovery of many of the most interesting objects in the high mass X-ray binary class and its contribution in reviving the interest for these sources over the past two decades. We show how the INTEGRAL discoveries have not only contributed to significantly increase the number of high mass X-ray binaries known, thus advancing our understanding of the population as a whole, but also have opened new windows of investigation that stimulated the multi-wavelength approach nowadays common in most astrophysical research fields. We conclude the review by providing an overview of future facilities being planned from the X-ray to the very high energy domain that will hopefully help us in finding an answer to the many questions left open after more than 18 years of INTEGRAL scientific observations.

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arXiv2019

The Physics of Accretion Onto Highly Magnetized Neutron Stars

Studying the physical processes occurring in the region just above the magnetic poles of strongly magnetized, accreting binary neutron stars is essential to our understanding of stellar and binary system evolution. Perhaps more importantly, it provides us with a natural laboratory for studying the physics of high temperature and high density plasmas exposed to extreme radiation, gravitational, and magnetic fields. Observations over the past decade have shed new light on the manner in which plasma falling at velocities near the speed of light onto a neutron star surface is halted. Recent advances in modeling these processes have resulted in direct measurement of the magnetic fields and plasma properties. On the other hand, numerous physical processes have been identified that challenge our current picture of how the accretion process onto neutron stars works. Observation and theory are our essential tools in this regime because the extreme conditions cannot be duplicated on Earth. This white paper gives an overview of the current theory, the outstanding theoretical and observational challenges, and the importance of addressing them in contemporary astrophysics research.

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arXiv2019

The First NuSTAR Observation of 4U 1538-522: Updated Orbital Ephemeris and A Strengthened Case for an Evolving Cyclotron Line Energy

We have performed a comprehensive spectral and timing analysis of the first NuSTAR observation of the high-mass X-ray binary 4U 1538-522. The observation covers the X-ray eclipse of the source, plus the eclipse ingress and egress. We use the new measurement of the mid-eclipse time to update the orbital parameters of the system and find marginally-significant evolution in the orbital period, with $\dot{P}_{\rm orb}/P_{\rm orb} = \left(-0.95 \pm 0.37\right) \times 10^{-6}$ yr$^{-1}$. The cyclotron line energy is found approximately 1.2 keV higher than RXTE measurements from 1997--2003, in line with the increased energy observed by Suzaku in 2012 and strengthening the case for secular evolution of 4U 1538-522's CRSF. We additionally characterize the behavior of the iron fluorescence and emission lines and line-of-sight absorption as the source moves into and out of eclipse.

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arXiv2017

A precessing Be disk as a possible model for occultation events in GX 304-1

We report on the RXTE detection of a sudden increase in the absorption column density, $N_\mathrm{H}$, during the 2011 May outburst of GX 304-1. The $N_\mathrm{H}$ increased up to ${\sim}16\times 10^{22}$ atoms cm$^{-2}$, which is a factor of 3-4 larger than what is usually measured during the outbursts of GX 304-1 as covered by RXTE. Additionally, an increase in the variability of the hardness ratio as calculated from the energy resolved RXTE-PCA light curves is measured during this time range. We interpret these facts as an occultation event of the neutron star by material in the line of sight. Using a simple 3D model of an inclined and precessing Be disk around the Be type companion, we are able to qualitatively explain the $N_\mathrm{H}$ evolution over time. We are able to constrain the Be-disk density to be on the order of $10^{-11}$ g cm$^{-3}$. Our model strengthens the idea of inclined Be disks as origin of double-peaked outbursts as the derived geometry allows accretion twice per orbit under certain conditions.

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arXiv2016

Simultaneous fits in ISIS on the example of GRO J1008-57

Parallel computing and steadily increasing computation speed have led to a new tool for analyzing multiple datasets and datatypes: fitting several datasets simultaneously. With this technique, physically connected parameters of individual data can be treated as a single parameter by implementing this connection into the fit directly. We discuss the terminology, implementation, and possible issues of simultaneous fits based on the X-ray data analysis tool Interactive Spectral Interpretation System (ISIS). While all data modeling tools in X-ray astronomy allow in principle fitting data from multiple data sets individually, the syntax used in these tools is not often well suited for this task. Applying simultaneous fits to the transient X-ray binary GRO J1008-57, we find that the spectral shape is only dependent on X-ray flux. We determine time independent parameters such as, e.g., the folding energy E_fold, with unprecedented precision.

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arXiv2016

The Goodness of Simultaneous Fits in ISIS

In a previous work, we introduced a tool for analyzing multiple datasets simultaneously, which has been implemented into ISIS. This tool was used to fit many spectra of X-ray binaries. However, the large number of degrees of freedom and individual datasets raise an issue about a good measure for a simultaneous fit quality. We present three ways to check the goodness of these fits: we investigate the goodness of each fit in all datasets, we define a combined goodness exploiting the logical structure of a simultaneous fit, and we stack the fit residuals of all datasets to detect weak features. These tools are applied to all RXTE-spectra from GRO 1008-57, revealing calibration features that are not detected significantly in any single spectrum. Stacking the residuals from the best-fit model for the Vela X-1 and XTE J1859+083 data evidences fluorescent emission lines that would have gone undetected otherwise.

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arXiv2016

Evidence for an Evolving Cyclotron Line Energy in 4U 1538-522

We have performed a full time- and luminosity-resolved spectral analysis of the high-mass X-ray binary 4U 1538-522 using the available RXTE, INTEGRAL, and Suzaku data, examining both phase-averaged and pulse-phase-constrained datasets and focusing on the behavior of the cyclotron resonance scattering feature (CRSF). No statistically significant trend between the energy of the CRSF and luminosity is observed in the combined dataset. However, the CRSF energy appears to have increased by ~1.5 keV in the ~8.5 years between the RXTE and Suzaku measurements, with Monte Carlo simulations finding the Suzaku measurement 4.6$σ$ above the RXTE points. Interestingly, the increased Suzaku CRSF energy is much more significant and robust in the pulse-phase-constrained spectra from the peak of the main pulse, suggesting a change that is limited to a single magnetic pole. The 7 years of RXTE measurements do not show any strongly-significant evolution with time on their own. We discuss the significance of the CRSF's behavior with respect to luminosity and time in the context of historical observations of this source as well as recent observational and theoretical work concerning the neutron star accretion column, and suggest some mechanisms by which the observed change over time could occur.

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arXiv2016

Revealing the broad iron Kalpha line in Cygnus X-1 through simultaneous XMM-Newton, RXTE, and INTEGRAL observations

We report on the analysis of the broad Fe Kalpha line feature of Cygnus X-1 in the spectra of four simultaneous hard intermediate state observations made with the X-ray Multiple Mirror mission (XMM-Newton), the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE), and the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL). The high quality of the XMM-Newton data taken in the Modified Timing Mode of the EPIC-pn camera provides a great opportunity to investigate the broadened Fe Kalpha reflection line at 6.4keV with a very high signal to noise ratio. The 4-500keV energy range is used to constrain the underlying continuum and the reflection at higher energies. We first investigate the data by applying a phenomenological model that consists of the sum of an exponentially cutoff power law and relativistically smeared reflection. Additionally, we apply a more physical approach and model the irradiation of the accretion disk directly from the lamp post geometry. All four observations show consistent values for the black hole parameters with a spin of $a\sim 0.9$, in agreement with recent measurements from reflection and disk continuum fitting. The inclination is found to be $i\sim30^\circ$, consistent with the orbital inclination and different from inclination measurements made during the soft state, which show a higher inclination. We speculate that the difference between the inclination measurements is due to changes in the inner region of the accretion disk.

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arXiv2015

Luminosity-dependent spectral and timing properties of the accreting pulsar GX 304-1 measured with INTEGRAL

Context: Be/X-ray binaries show outbursts with peak luminosities up to a few times $10^{37}\,$erg/s, during which they can be observed and studied in detail. Most (if not all) Be/X-ray binaries harbour accreting pulsars, whose X-ray spectra in many cases contain cyclotron resonant scattering features related to the magnetic field of the sources. Spectral variations as a function of luminosity and of the rotational phase of the neutron star are observed in many accreting pulsars. Aims: We explore X-ray spectral and timing properties of the Be/X-ray binary GX 304-1 during an outburst episode. Specifically, we investigate the behavior of the cyclotron resonant scattering feature, the continuum spectral parameters, the pulse period, and the energy- and luminosity-resolved pulse profiles. We combine the luminosity-resolved spectral and timing analysis to probe the accretion geometry and the beaming patterns of the rotating neutron star. Methods: We analyze the INTEGRAL data from the two JEM-X modules, ISGRI and SPI, covering the January-February 2012 outburst, divided in six observations. We obtain pulse profiles in two energy bands, phase-averaged and phase-resolved spectra for each observation. Results: We confirm the positive luminosity-dependence of the cyclotron line energy in GX 304-1, and report a dependence of the photon index on luminosity. Using a pulse-phase connection technique, we find a pulse period solution valid for the entire outburst. Our pulse-phase resolved analysis shows, that the centroid energy of the cyclotron line is varying only slightly with pulse phase, while other spectral parameters show more pronounced variations. Our results are consistent with a scenario in which, as the pulsar rotates, we are exploring only a small portion of its beam pattern.

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arXiv2014

Hercules X-1 - another 'first': long-term decay of the cyclotron line energy

Her~X-1 is one of the most remarkable members of the class of binary X-ray pulsars. It does not only show a large number of observable features, but has repeatedly been the first object for which fundamental discoveries were made: it was the first to show a super-orbital modulation, the first to reveal a cyclotron line in its spectrum and the first in which systematic variations of the cyclotron line energy were detected, namely variations with pulse phase (by $\sim$ 25\%) and a positive correlation with X-ray luminosity ($\sim$ 5\% increase for a factor of two increase in luminosity). Now we have found another 'first': a long-term decrease of the pulse phase averaged cyclotron line energy E$_{\rm cyc}$ by $\sim$ 5\,keV in 20 years. At the time of the discovery of the cyclotron line in 1976, its energy was $\sim$ 35\,keV, remeasured around a similar energy by various instruments until 1990. Between 1990 and 1994 a jump upwards beyond 41\,keV occurred, we are now back at $\sim$ 37\,keV With respect to the physical cause of the discovered effect, we suggest it to be connected to a geometric displacement of the cyclotron resonant scattering region in the polar magnetic field or due to to a true physical change in the field configuration at the accretion mound or column by the continued accretion. The variation with time might be due to a non-perfect equilibrium between the rate at which material is accreted and the rate at which material is lost at the base of the accretion mound, allowing for a variation of the configuration of the accretion mound (height, total mass, field distribution). We do believe that we see the signature of a local change in the field configuration, rather than a decay of the global magnetic field, since the observed timescale of a few decades is very short.

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arXiv2012

No anti-correlation between cyclotron line energy and X-ray flux in 4U 0115+634

We report on an outburst of the high mass X-ray binary 4U 0115+63 with a pulse period of 3.6s in 2008 March/April as observed with RXTE and INTEGRAL. During the outburst the neutron star's luminosity varied by a factor of 10 in the 3--50\,keV band. In agreement with earlier work we find evidence for five cyclotron resonance scattering features at ~10.7, 21.8, 35.5, 46.7, and 59.7keV. Previous work had found an anti-correlation between the fundamental cyclotron line energy and the X-ray flux. We show that this apparent anti-correlation is probably due to the unphysical interplay of parameters of the cyclotron line with the continuum models used previously, e.g., the negative and positive exponent power law (NPEX). For this model, we show that cyclotron line modeling erroneously leads to describing part of the exponential cutoff and the continuum variability, and not the cyclotron lines. When the X-ray continuum is modeled with a simple exponentially cutoff power law modified by a Gaussian emission feature around 10keV, the correlation between the line energy and the flux vanishes and the line parameters remain virtually constant over the outburst. We therefore conclude that the previously reported anti-correlation is an artifact of the assumptions adopted in the modeling of the continuum.

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arXiv2012

Understanding the Last Mile - Physics of the Accretion Column

Accreting X-ray pulsars are among the best observed objects of X-ray astronomy with a rich data set of observational phenomena in the spectral and timing domain. While the general picture for these sources is well established, the detailed physics behind the observed phenomena are often subject of debate. We present recent observational, theoretical and modeling results for the structure and dynamics of the accretion column in these systems. Our results indicate the presence of different accretion regimes and possible explanations for observed variations of spectral features with luminosity.

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arXiv2012

The reawakening of the sleeping X-ray pulsar XTE J1946+274

We report on a series of outbursts of the high mass X-ray binary XTE J1946+274 in 2010/2011 as observed with INTEGRAL, RXTE, and Swift. We discuss possible mechanisms resulting in the extraordinary outburst behavior of this source. The X-ray spectra can be described by standard phenomenological models, enhanced by an absorption feature of unknown origin at about 10 keV and a narrow iron K alpha fluorescence line at 6.4 keV, which are variable in flux and pulse phase. We find possible evidence for the presence of a cyclotron resonance scattering feature at about 25 keV at the 93% level. The presence of a strong cyclotron line at 35 keV seen in data from the source's 1998 outburst and confirmed by a reanalysis of these data can be excluded. This result indicates that the cyclotron line feature in XTE J1946+274 is variable between individual outbursts.

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arXiv2010

X-ray variation statistics and wind clumping in Vela X-1

We investigate the structure of the wind in the neutron star X-ray binary system Vela X-1 by analyzing its flaring behavior. Vela X-1 shows constant flaring, with some flares reaching fluxes of more than 3.0 Crab between 20-60 keV for several 100 seconds, while the average flux is around 250 mCrab. We analyzed all archival INTEGRAL data, calculating the brightness distribution in the 20-60 keV band, which, as we show, closely follows a log-normal distribution. Orbital resolved analysis shows that the structure is strongly variable, explainable by shocks and a fluctuating accretion wake. Analysis of RXTE ASM data suggests a strong orbital change of N_H. Accreted clump masses derived from the INTEGRAL data are on the order of 5 x 10^19 -10^21 g. We show that the lightcurve can be described with a model of multiplicative random numbers. In the course of the simulation we calculate the power spectral density of the system in the 20-100 keV energy band and show that it follows a red-noise power law. We suggest that a mixture of a clumpy wind, shocks, and turbulence can explain the measured mass distribution. As the recently discovered class of supergiant fast X-ray transients (SFXT) seems to show the same parameters for the wind, the link between persistent HMXB like Vela X-1 and SFXT is further strengthened.

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arXiv2009

Statistical analysis of archival Vela X-1 data

We present a detailed analysis of all archival INTEGRAL data of the accreting X-ray pulsar Vela X-1. We extracted lightcurves in several energy bands from 20 keV up to 60 keV. The lightcurves show that the source was found in very active as well as quiet states. During the active states several giant flares were detected. For these states spectra between 5 keV and 120 keV were obtained. The spectra of the active states were found to be significantly softer than those from the quiet states. We performed a statistical analysis of the flaring behavior. The resulting log-normal distribution of the intensity of Vela X-1 shows that the source spends most of the time at an average flux level of 300 mCrab but also that the distribution extends well up to more than 2.0 Crab.

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arXiv2007

INTEGRAL observation of the accreting pulsar 1E1145.1-6141

We analyze 1050 ks of INTEGRAL data of the high mass X-ray binary pulsar 1E 1145.1-6141 to study its properties over a long time baseline, from June 2003 to June 2004, with wide spectral coverage. We study three high luminosity episodes, two of them at the system apoastron, three brightening with lower intensity, two at the periastron, and one extended period of intermediate luminosity spanning one orbital cycle. We perform timing analysis to determine the pulse period and pulse profiles at different energy ranges. We also analyze the broad band phase average spectrum of different luminosity states and perform phase resolved spectroscopy for the first flare. From the timing analysis, we find a pulse period of ~297 s around MJD 53000 with a significant scatter around the mean value. From the spectral analysis we find that the source emission can be described by an absorbed bremsstrahlung model in which the electron temperature varies between ~25 and ~37 keV, without any correlation to luminosity, and the intrinsic absorbing column is constantly of the order of 10^23 cm^-2. Phase resolved spectral analysis evidences a different temperature of the plasma in the ascending and descending edges of the pulse during the first flare. This justifies the pulse maximum shift by ~0.4 phase units between 20 and 100 keV observed in the pulse profiles. The comparison with the previous period measurements reveals that the source is currently spinning-down, in contrast to the long term secular trend observed so far indicating that at least a temporary accretion disk is formed. The study of the spectral property variations with respect to time and spin phase suggests the presence of two emitting components at different temperatures whose relative intensity varies with time.

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