arXiv subjects

S. A. Farrell

Publications and source records attributed to S. A. Farrell.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2008

A Detailed Study of 2S 0114+650 with the RXTE

We present the results of a detailed study of the high mass X-ray binary 2S 0114+650 made with the pointed instruments onboard the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer. The spectral and temporal behaviour of this source was examined over the pulse, orbital, and super-orbital timescales, covering $\sim$2 cycles of the 30.7 d super-orbital modulation. Marginal evidence for variability of the power law photon index over the pulse period was identified, similar to that observed from other X-ray pulsars. If this variability is real it can be attributed to a varying viewing geometry of the accretion region with the spin of the neutron star. Variability of the neutral hydrogen column density over the orbital period was observed, which we attribute to the line of sight motion of the neutron star through the dense circumstellar environment. A reduction in the power law photon index was observed during the orbital maximum, which we speculate is due to absorption effects as the neutron star passes behind a heavily absorbing region near the base of the supergiant companion's wind. No significant variability of the column density was observed over the super-orbital period, indicating that variable obscuration by a precessing warp in an accretion disc is not the mechanism behind the super-orbital modulation. In contrast, a significant increase in the power law photon index was observed during the super-orbital minimum. We conclude that the observed super-orbital modulation is tied to variability in the mass accretion rate due to some as yet unidentified mechanism.

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arXiv2007

GRO J1744-28, search for the counterpart: infrared photometry and spectroscopy

Using VLT/ISAAC, we detected 2 candidate counterparts to the bursting pulsar GRO J1744-28, one bright and one faint, within the X-ray error circles of XMM-Newton and Chandra. In determining the spectral types of the counterparts we applied 3 different extinction corrections; one for an all-sky value, one for a Galactic Bulge value and one for a local value. We find the local value, with an extinction law of alpha = 3.23 +- 0.01 is the only correction that results in colours and magnitudes for both bright and faint counterparts consistent with a small range of spectral types, and for the bright counterpart, consistent with the spectroscopic identification. Photometry of the faint candidate indicates it is a K7/M0 V star at a distance of 3.75 +- 1 kpc. This star would require a very low inclination angle (i < 9deg) to satisfy the mass function constraints; however it cannot be excluded as the counterpart without follow-up spectroscopy to detect emission signatures of accretion. Photometry and spectroscopy of the bright candidate indicate it is most likely a G/K III star. The spectrum does not show Br-gamma emission, a known indicator of accretion. The bright star's magnitudes are in agreement with the constraints placed on a probable counterpart by the calculations of Rappaport & Joss (1997) for an evolved star that has had its envelope stripped. The mass function indicates the counterpart should have M < 0.3 Msol for an inclination of i >= 15deg; a stripped giant, or a main sequence M3+ V star are consistent with this mass-function constraint. In both cases mass-transfer, if present, will be by wind-accretion as the counterpart will not fill its Roche lobe given the observed orbital period. The derived magnetic field of 2.4 x 10^{11} G will inhibit accretion by the propeller effect, hence its quiescent state.

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arXiv2006

A Multicoloured View of 2S 0114+650

We report the results of radio and X-ray observations of the high mass X-ray binary 2S 0114+650, made with the Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope and the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer respectively. No emission was detected at radio wavelengths. The neutral hydrogen column density was found to vary over the orbital period, while no variability over the the super-orbital period was observed. We discuss the causes of the observed relationships and the implications for the underlying mechanisms.

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arXiv2005

Superorbital Period in the High Mass X-ray Binary 2S 0114+650

We report the detection of a superorbital period in the high-mass X-ray binary 2S 0114+650. Analyses of data from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) All-Sky Monitor (ASM) from 1996 January 5 to 2004 August 25 reveal a superorbital period of 30.7 +/- 0.1 d, in addition to confirming the previously reported neutron star spin period of 2.7 h and the binary orbital period of 11.6 d. It is unclear if the superorbital period can be ascribed to the precession of a warped accretion disc in the system.

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arXiv2005

Recurrent ~24 h Periods in RXTE ASM Data

Analysis of data from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer satellite's All Sky Monitor instrument for several X-ray binary sources has identified a recurrent \~24 h period. This period is sometimes highly significant, giving rise to the possibility of it being identified as an orbital or super-orbital period. Further analysis has revealed the same period in a number of other X-ray sources. As a result this period has been discounted as spurious, described variously as arising from daily variations in background levels and beating between the sampling period and long-term secular trends in the light curves. We present here an analysis of the spurious periods and show that the dominant mechanism is in fact spectral leakage of low-frequency power present in the light curves.

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