arXiv subjects

Wan Chen

Publications and source records attributed to Wan Chen.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv1997

Black Hole Spin in X-Ray Binaries: Observational Consequences

We discuss the observational consequences of black hole spin in X-ray binaries within the framework of the standard thin accretion disk model. When compared to theoretical flux distribution from the surface of a thin disk surrounding a Kerr black hole, the observed X-ray properties of the Galactic superluminal jet sources, GRO J1655-40 and GRS 1915+105, strongly suggest that each contains a black hole spinning rapidly in the same direction as the accretion disk. We show, however, that some other black hole binaries with an ultra-soft X-ray component probably harbor only non- or slowly-spinning black holes, and we argue that those with no detectable ultra-soft component above 1-2 keV in their high luminosity state may contain a fast-spinning black hole but with a retrograde disk. Therefore, all classes of known black hole binaries are united within one scheme. Furthermore, we explore the possibility that spectral state transitions in Cyg X-1 are simply due to temporary disk reversal, which can occur in a wind accretion system.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1997

Kilohertz QPO Peak Separation Is Not Constant in Scorpius X-1

We report on a series of twenty ~10^5 c/s, 0.125 msec time-resolution RXTE observations of the Z source and low-mass X-ray binary Scorpius X-1. Twin kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) peaks are obvious in nearly all observations. We find that the peak separation is not constant, as expected in some beat-frequency models, but instead varies from ~310 to ~230 Hz when the centroid frequency of the higher-frequency peak varies from ~875 to ~1085 Hz. We detect none of the additional QPO peaks at higher frequencies predicted in the photon bubble model (PBM), with best-case upper limits on the peaks' power ratio of 0.025. We do detect, simultaneously with the kHz QPO, additional QPO peaks near 45 and 90 Hz whose frequency increases with mass accretion rate. We interpret these as first and second harmonics of the so-called horizontal-branch oscillations well known from other Z sources and usually interpreted in terms of the magnetospheric beat-frequency model (BFM). We conclude that the magnetospheric BFM and the PBM are now unlikely to explain the kHz QPO in Sco X-1. In order to succeed in doing so, any BFM involving the neutron star spin (unseen in Sco X-1) will have to postulate at least one additional unseen frequency, beating with the spin to produce one of the kHz peaks.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1996

Search for 1.809 MeV Emission of 26Al from nearby Supernova Remnants using COMPTEL

We report the negative results of our searches in COMPTEL data for 1.809 MeV gamma-ray line emission from four localized regions which contain nearby supernova remnants (SNRs). The upper flux limits (2 Sigma) are found to be in the range of 1.4*10e-5 to 2.4*10e-5 photons/s/cm/cm. These upper limits do not severely constrain the theoretical 26Al yields from individual core collapse supernovae due to large uncertainties in the SNR distances and the nature of the progenitor stars.

astro-ph↗