arXiv subjects

Wen-Cong Chen

Publications and source records attributed to Wen-Cong Chen.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2017

Rapid orbital decay in detached binaries: evidence for circumbinary disks

Some short-period, detached binary systems have recently been reported to experience very rapid orbital decay, much faster than is expected from the angular-momentum loss caused by gravitational radiation alone. As these systems contain fully convective stars, magnetic braking is not believed to be operative, making the large orbital-period derivative puzzling. Here we explore whether a resonant interaction between the binary and a surrounding circumbinary (CB) disk could account for the observed orbital decay. Our calculations indicate that the observed orbital-period derivatives in seven detached binaries can be produced by the resonant interaction between the binary and a CB disk if the latter has a mass in the range of $10^{-4}-10^{-2}~ M_{\odot}$, which is of the same order as the inferred disk mass ($\sim2.4\times 10^{-4}~ M_{\odot}$) in the post-common-envelope binary NN Ser.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2017

A Circumbinary Disk Scenario For The Negative Orbital-Period Derivative Of The Ultracompact X-ray Binary 4u1820-303

It is generally thought that an ultracompact X-ray binary is composed with a neutron star and a helium white dwarf donor star. As one of the most compact binaries, 4U 1820-303 in globular cluster NGC 6624 was predicted an orbital-period derivative at a rate of $\dot{P}/P\sim1.1\times10^{-7}$ ${\rm yr^{-1}}$ if the mass transfer is fully driven by gravitational radiation. However, the recent analysis of the 16 ${\rm yr}$ data from \textit{Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer} and other historical records yielded a negative orbital-period derivative in the past $35$ yr. In this work, we propose an evolutionary circumbinary (CB) disk model to account for this anomalous orbital-period derivative. 4U 1820-30 was known to undergo superbust events caused by runaway thermal nuclear burning on the neutron star. We assume that for a small fraction of the superbursts, part of the ejected material may form a CB disk around the binary. If the recurrence time of such superbursts is $\sim10,000$ yr and $\sim10$% of the ejected mass feeds a CB disk, the abrupt angular-momentum loss causes a temporary orbital shrink, and the donor's radius and its Roche-lobe radius do not keep in step. Driven by mass transfer and angular-momentum loss, the binary would adjust its orbital parameters to recover a new stable stage. Based on the theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, we find that the required feed mass at the CB disk is approximately $\sim 10^{-8}$ ${\rm M_{\odot}}$.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2016

An evolutionary channel towards the accreting millisecond pulsar SAX J1808.4-3658

Recent timing analysis reveals that the orbital period of the first discovered accreting millisecond pulsar SAX J1808.4-3658 is increasing at a rate $\dot{P}_{\rm orb}=(3.89\pm0.15)\times 10^{-12}~\rm s\,s^{-1}$, which is at least one order of magnitude higher than the value arising from the conservative mass transfer. An ejection of mass loss rate of $10^{-9}~\rm M_{\odot}{\rm yr}^{-1}$ from the donor star at the inner Lagrangian point during the quiescence state could interpret the observed orbital period derivative. However, it is unknown whether this source can offer such a high mass loss rate. In this work, we attempt to investigate an evolutionary channel towards SAX J1808.4-3658. Once the accretion disk becomes thermally and viscously unstable, the spin-down luminosity of the millisecond pulsar and the X-ray luminosity during outbursts are assumed to evaporate the donor star, and the resulting winds carry away the specific orbital angular momentum at the inner Lagrangian point. Our scenario could yield the observed orbital period, the orbital period derivative, the peak X-ray luminosity during outbursts. Low-mass X-ray binaries with a $1.0~\rm M_{\odot}$ donor star, and an orbital period in the range of 0.8 - 1.5 d, may be the progenitor of SAX J1808.4-3658. Our numerical calculations propose that the current donor star mass is $0.044 ~\rm M_{\odot}$, which is in approximately agreement with the minimum mass of the donor star. In addition, our scenario can also account for the formation of black widows or the diamond planet like PSR J1719-1438.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2016

Constraining the dipolar magnetic field of M82 X-2 by the accretion model

Recently, ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) M82 X-2 has been identified to be an accreting neutron star, which has a $P=1.37$ s spin period, and is spinning up at a rate $\dot{P}=-2.0\times 10^{-10}~\rm s\,s^{-1}$. Interestingly, its isotropic X-ray luminosity $L_{\rm iso}=1.8\times 10^{40}~\rm erg\,s^{-1}$ during outbursts is 100 times the Eddington limit for a $1.4~\rm M_{\odot}$ neutron star. In this Letter, based on the standard accretion model we attempt to constrain the dipolar magnetic field of the pulsar in ULX M82 X-2. Our calculations indicate that the accretion rate at the magnetospheric radius must be super-Eddington during outbursts. To support such a super-Eddington accretion, a relatively high multipole field ($\ga 10^{13}$ G) near the surface of the accretor is invoked to produce an accreting gas column. However, our constraint shows that the surface dipolar magnetic field of the pulsar should be in the range of $1.0-3.5\times 10^{12}$ G. Therefore, our model supports that the neutron star in ULX M82 X-2 could be a low magnetic field magnetar (proposed by Tong) with a normal dipolar field ($\sim 10^{12}$ G) and relatively strong multipole field. For the large luminosity variations of this source, our scenario can also present a self-consistency interpretation.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2016

Evolution of intermediate-mass X-ray binaries driven by magnetic braking of Ap/Bp stars: I. ultracompact X-ray binaries

It is generally believed that Ultracompact X-ray binaries (UCXBs) evolved from binaries consisting of a neutron star accreting from a low-mass white dwarf or helium star where mass transfer is driven by gravitational radiation. However, the standard white-dwarf evolutionary channel cannot produce the relatively long-period ($40 - 60$\,min) UCXBs with high time-averaged mass-transfer rate. In this work, we explore an alternative evolutionary route toward UCXBs where the companions evolve from intermediate-mass Ap/Bp stars with an anomalously strong magnetic field ($100 - 10000$\,G). Including the magnetic braking caused by the coupling between the magnetic field and an irradiation-driven wind induced by the X-ray flux from the accreting component, we show that intermediate-mass X-ray binaries (IMXBs) can evolve into UCXBs. Using the \emph{MESA} code, we have calculated evolutionary sequences for a large number of IMXBs. The simulated results indicate that, for a small wind-driving efficiency $f=10^{-5}$, the anomalous magnetic braking can drive IMXBs to an ultra-short period of 11 min. Comparing our simulated results with the observed parameters of fifteen identified UCXBs, the anomalous magnetic braking evolutionary channel can account for the formation of seven and eight sources with $f=10^{-3}$, and $10^{-5}$, respectively. In particular, a relatively large value of $f$ can fit three of the long-period, persistent sources with high mass-transfer rate. Though the proportion of Ap/Bp stars in intermediate-mass stars is only 5\%, the lifetime of the UCXB phase is $\gtrsim$ 2 Gyr, producing a relatively high number of observable systems, making this an alternative evolutionary channel for the formation of UCXBs.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

High braking index pulsar PSR J1640-4631: low-mass neutron star with a large inclination angle?

Recent timing observation constrained the braking index of the X-ray pulsar PSR J1640-4631 to be $n=3.15\pm0.03$, which is the highest value of all pulsars with measured braking indices so far. In this Letter, we investigate whether pulsar braking by combined between the magnetic dipole emission and the gravitational radiation might have a braking index greater than three. For conventional neutron star and low mass quark star candidates, the inferred ellipticities derived by the observed braking index are obviously much larger than the theoretical estimated maximum value. If PSR J1640-4631 is a low-mass neutron star with a mass of $0.1~ \rm M_{\odot}$, the inferred ellipticity can be approximately equal to the theoretical estimated maximum value. Because of the radio-quiet nature of this source, we employ the vacuum gap model developed by Ruderman and Sutherland to constrain the inclination angle to be $87.2-90^{\circ}$. Based on this, we propose that a low-mass neutron star with a large inclination angle can interpret the high braking index and the radio-quiet nature of this source. Future observations such as gravitational wave detection and long-term timing for this source are required to confirm or confute our scenario.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

Low braking index of PSR J1734-3333: an interaction between fall-back disk and magnetic field?

Recent timing observation reported that the radio pulsar PSR J1734 - 3333 with a rotating period $P=1.17~\rm s$ is slowing down with a period derivative $\dot{P}=2.28\times 10^{-12}\rm s\,s^{-1}$. Its derived braking index $n=0.9 \pm 0.2$ is the lowest value among young radio pulsars with the measured braking indices. In this Letter, we attempt to investigate the influence of the braking torque caused by the interaction between the fall-back disk and the strong magnetic field of the pulsar on the spin evolution of PSR J1734 - 3333. Analytical result show that this braking torque is obviously far more than that by magnetic dipole radiation for pulsars with spin period of $> 0.1$ s, and play an important role during the spin-down of the pulsars. Our simulated results indicate that, for some typical neutron star parameters, the braking index and the period derivative approximately in agreement with the measured value of PSR J1734 - 3333 if the material inflow rate in the fallback disk is $2 \times 10^{17} \rm g\,s^{-1}$. In addition, our scenario can account for the measured braking indices of four young pulsars. However, our predicted X-ray luminosity are 1 -2 order of magnitude higher than the observation. We proposed that this discrepancy may originate from the instability of fall-back disk.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

Orbital period decay of compact black hole x-ray binaries: the influence of circumbinary disks?

Recently, compact black hole X-ray binaries XTE J 1118+480 and A0620-00 have been reported to be experiencing a fast orbital period decay, which is two orders of magnitude higher than expected with gravitational wave radiation. Magnetic braking of an Ap/Bp star has been suggested to account for the period change when the surface magnetic field of the companion star $B_{\rm s}\ga 10^{4}$ G. However, our calculation indicates that anomalous magnetic braking cannot significantly contribute to the large orbital period decay rates observed in these two sources even if $B_{\rm s}\ga 10^{4}$ G. Observations have provided evidence that circumbinary disks around two compact black hole X-ray binaries may exist. Our analysis shows that, for some reasonable parameters, tidal torque between the circumbinary disk and the binary can efficiently extract the orbital angular momentum from the binary, and result in a large orbital period change rate. Based on the circumbinary disk model, we simulate the evolution of XTE J 1118+480 via a stellar evolution code. Our computations are approximatively in agreement with the observed data (the masses of two components, donor star radius, orbital period, and orbital period derivative). The mass transfer rate and circumbinary disk mass are obviously far greater than the inferred values from observations. Therefore, it seems that the circumbinary disk is unlikely to be the main cause of the rapid orbital decay observed in some compact black hole X-ray binaries.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2014

Magnetic braking of Ap/Bp stars: an alternative formation mechanism of compact intermediate-mass binary pulsars

It is difficult for the intermediate-mass X-ray binaries (IMXBs) evolutionary channel to form intermediate-mass binary pulsars (IMBPs) with a short orbital period (less than 3 d) via stable mass transfer. The main reason is that the magnetic braking mechanisms are generally thought not to work for donor stars with a mass of greater than 1.5 $\rm M_{\odot}$ in the canonical model. However, some intermediate-mass stars have anomalously strong magnetic fields (about 100 -- 10000 G), i. e. so-called Ap or Bp stars. With the coupling between the magnetic field and the irradiation-driven wind from the surface of Ap/Bp stars, a plausible magnetic braking mechanism should be expected. In this work, we attempt to investigate if IMXBs with Ap/Bp stars can produce IMBPs with a short orbital period (less than 3 d) by such an anomalous magnetic braking mechanism. Using a stellar evolution code, we have simulated the evolution of a large number of IMXBs consisting of a NS and an Ap/Bp star. For the spin evolution of the NS, we consider the accretion torque, the propeller torque, and the spin-down torque caused by the interaction between the magnetic field and the accretion disc. The calculated results show that, employing anomalous magnetic braking of Ap/Bp stars, IMXBs can evolve into compact IMBPs with short orbital periods of less than 3 d. However, there exists significant discrepancy between the spin periods of IMBPs in our simulated results and those observed.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2013

Ultralong distance coupling between asymmetric resonant microcavities

The ultralong distance coupling between two Asymmetric Resonant Microcavities (ARCs) is studied. Different from traditional short distance tunneling coupling between microcavities, the high efficient free space directional emission and excitation allow ultralong distance energy transfer between ARCs. In this paper, a novel unidirectional emission ARC, which shows directionality I40 = 0.54, is designed for materials of refractive index n = 2.0. Compared with regular whispering gallery microresonators, the coupled unidirectional emission ARCs show modulations of resonance frequency and linewidth even when the distance between cavities is much longer than wavelength. The performances and properties of the ultralong distance interaction between ARCs are analyzed and studied by coupling mode theory in details. The ultralong distance interaction between ARCs provides a new way to free-space based optical interconnects between components in integrated photonic circuits.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2013

On the origin of orbital period change in WY Cancri: a genuine angular momentum loss?

WY Cancri is a short-period ($P$=0.829 d) eclipsing RS Canum Venaticorum stars, and both components are late-type stars. Recently, observations provided by photometric observations and light time minima show that the orbital period of WY Cancri is experiencing a secular decrease at a rate of ${\rm d} P/{\rm d}t=-1.2\times10^{-7}\rm d yr^{-1}$. In this Letter, we attempt to investigate if the period change of WY Cancri can originate from the angular momentum loss. In calculation, we assume that this source has a high wind loss rate of $\sim10^{-10} \rm M_{\odot} yr^{-1}$. To account for the observation, magnetic braking demands a strong surface magnetic field of $\gtrsim 10000$ G like Ap/Bp stars. Furthermore, if this source may be surrounded by a circumbinary disk, and 6% of the wind loss feeds the disk, tidal torque between the disk and the binary can offer the observed angular momentum loss rate. Such a strong magnetic field or an extremely high wind input fraction seem to be highly unlikely.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2013

Evolution of neutron star + He star binaries: an alternative evolutionary channel to intermediate-mass binary pulsars

It is difficult for intermediate-mass X-ray binaries to form compact intermediate-mass binary pulsars (IMBPs) with a short orbital-period ($\la 3 \rm d$), which have a heavy ($\ga 0.4 M_{\odot}$) CO or ONeMg white dwarf companions. Since neutron star + He star binaries may experience common-envelope evolution, they have some advantage to account for the formation of short orbital-period IMBPs. In this work, we explore the probability of IMBPs formed by this evolutionary channel. Using Eggleton's stellar evolution code, considering that the dead pulsars were spun up by the accreting material and angular momentum from the He star companions, we have calculated the evolution of a large number of neutron star + He star binaries. Our simulated results indicate that, the NS + He star evolutionary channel can produce IMBPs with a WD of $\sim0.5 - 1.1 M_{\odot}$ and an orbital period of $0.03 - 20$ d, in which pulsars have a spin-period of $1.4 - 200$ ms. Comparing the calculated results with the observational parameters (spin period and orbital period) of 9 compact IMBPs, the NS + He star evolutionary channel can account for the formation of 4 sources. Therefore, NS + He star binaries offer an alternative evolutionary channel to compact IMBPs.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2011

On the progenitors of millisecond pulsars by the recycling evolutionary channel

The recycling model suggested that low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) could evolve into binary millisecond pulsars (BMSPs). In this work, we attempt to investigate the progenitor properties of BMSPs formed by the recycling evolutionary channel, and if sub-millisecond pulsars can be produced by this channel. Using Eggleton's stellar evolution code, considering that the dead pulsars can be spun up to a short spin period by the accreting material and angular momentum from the donor star, we have calculated the evolution of close binaries consisting of a neutron star and a low-mass main-sequence donor star, and the spin evolution of NSs. In calculation, some physical process such as the thermal and viscous instability of a accretion disk, propeller effect, and magnetic braking are included. Our calculated results indicate that, all LMXBs with a low-mass donor star of 1.0 - 2.0 $M_\odot$ and a short orbital period ($\la 3-4 \rm d$) can form millisecond pulsars with a spin period less than 10 ms. However, it is difficult to produce sub-millisecond pulsars by this evolutionary channel. In addition, our evolutionary scenario cannot account for the existence of BMSPs with a long orbital period ($P_{\rm orb}\ga 70-80\rm d$).

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2011

He star evolutionary channel to intermediate-mass binary pulsar PSR J1802-2124

The intermediate-mass binary pulsars (IMBPs) are characterized by relatively long spin periods (10 - 200 ms) and massive ($\ga 0.4 M_{\odot}$) white dwarf (WD) companions. Recently, precise mass measurements have been performed for the pulsar and the WD in the IMBP PSR J1802-2124. Some observed properties, such as the low mass of the pulsar, the high mass of the WD, the moderately long spin period, and the tight orbit, imply that this system has undergone a peculiar formation mechanism. In this work, we attempt to simulate the detailed evolutionary history of PSR J1802-2124. We propose that a binary system consisting of a neutron star (NS, of mass $1.3 M_{\odot}$) and an He star (of mass $1.0 M_{\odot}$), and with an initial orbital period of 0.5 d, may have been the progenitor of PSR J1802-2124. Once the He star overflows its Roche lobe, He-rich material is transferred onto the NS at a relatively high rate of $\sim 10^{-7}-10^{-6} M_{\odot}\,\rm yr^{-1}$, which is significantly higher than the Eddington accretion rate. A large amount of the transferred material is ejected from the vicinity of the NS by radiation pressure and results in the birth of a mildly recycled pulsar. Our simulated results are consistent with the observed parameters of PSR J1802-2124. Therefore, we argue that the NS + He star evolutionary channel may be responsible for the formation of most IMBPs with orbital periods $\la 3 \rm d$.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2011

The progenitor of binary millisecond radio pulsar PSR J1713+0747 (Research Note)

PSR J1713+0747 is a binary system comprising millisecond radio pulsar with a spin period of 4.57 ms, and a low-mass white dwarf (WD) companion orbiting the pulsar with a period of 67.8 days. Using the general relativistic Shapiro delay, the masses of the WD and pulsar components were previously found to be $0.28\pm 0.03 M_{\odot}$ and $1.3\pm 0.2 M_{\odot}$ (68% confidence), respectively. Standard binary evolution theory suggests that PSR J1713+0747 evolved from a low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB). Here, we test this hypothesis. We used a binary evolution code and a WD evolution code to calculate evolutionary sequences of LMXBs that could result in binary millisecond radio pulsars such as PSR J1713+0747. During the mass exchange, the mass transfer is nonconservative. Because of the thermal and viscous instabilities developing in the accretion disk, the neutron star accretes only a small part of the incoming material. We find that the progenitor of PSR J1713+0747 can be modelled as an LMXB including a donor star with mass $1.3-1.6 M_{\odot}$ and an initial orbital period ranging from 2.40 to 4.15 days. If the cooling timescale of the WD is 8 Gyr, its present effective temperature is between 3870 and 4120 K, slightly higher than the observed value. We estimate a surface gravity of ${\rm Log} (g) \approx 7.38 - 7.40$.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2011

Can eccentric binary millisecond pulsars form by accretion induced collapse of white dwarfs?

Binary radio pulsars are generally believed to have been spun up to millisecond periods (i.e. recycling) via mass accretion from their donor stars, and they are the descendants of neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries. However, some studies indicate that the formation of pulsars from the accretion-induced collapse (AIC) of accreting white dwarfs (WDs) cannot be excluded. In this work, we use a population synthesis code to examine if the AIC channel can produce eccentric binary millisecond pulsars (BMSPs) in the Galaxy. Our simulated results indicate that, only when the natal MSPs receive a relatively strong kick ($\ga100\rm km\,s^{-1}$), can the AIC channel produce $\sim 10-180$ eccentric ($e>0.1$) BMSPs in the Galaxy, most of which are accompanied by a Helium star. Such a kick seems to be highly unlikely in the conventional AIC process, hence the probability of forming eccentric BMSPs via the AIC channel can be ruled out. Even if a high kick is allowed, the AIC channel cannot produce eccentric BMSPs with an orbital period of $\ga 20$ days. Therefore, we propose that the peculiar BMSP PSR J1903+0327 cannot be formed by the AIC channel. However, the AIC evolutionary channel may produce some fraction of isolated millisecond pulsars, and even sub-millisecond pulsars if they really exist.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2009

On the progenitors of super-Chandrasekhar mass type Ia supernovae

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) can be used as the standard candlelight to determine the cosmological distances because they are thought to have a uniform fuel amount. Recent observations of several overluminous SNe Ia suggest that the white dwarf masses at supernova explosion may significantly exceed the canonical Chandrasekhar mass limit. These massive white dwarfs may be supported by rapid differential rotation. Based on single degenerate model and the assumption that the white dwarf would differentially rotate when the accretion rate $\dot{M}>3\times10^{-7}M_{\odot}\rm yr^{-1}$, we have calculated the evolutions of close binaries consisting of a white dwarf and a normal companion. To include the effect of rotation, we introduce an effective mass $M_{\rm eff}$ for white dwarfs. For the donor stars with two different metallicities $Z=0.02$ and 0.001, we present the distribution of the initial donor star masses and the orbital periods of the progenitors of super-Chandrasekhar mass SNe Ia. The calculation results indicate that, for an initial massive white dwarf of $1.2M_{\odot}$, a considerable fraction of SNe Ia may result from super-Chandresekhar mass white dwarfs, but very massive ($>1.7 M_{\sun}$) white dwarfs are difficult to form, and none of them could be found in old populations. However, super-Chandrasekhar mass SNe Ia are very rare when the initial mass of white dwarfs is $1.0M_{\odot}$. Additionally, SNe Ia in low metallicity environment are more likely to be homogeneous.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2009

Can angular momentum loss cause the period change of NN Ser?

NN Ser is a non mass-transferring pre-cataclysmic variable containing a white dwarf with a mass of $\sim 0.5 M_{\odot}$ and an M dwarf secondary star with a mass of $\sim 0.2 M_{\odot}$. Based on the data detected by the high-speed CCD camera ULTRACAM, it was observed that the orbital period of NN Ser is decreasing, which may be caused by a genuine angular momentum loss or the presence of a third body. However, neither gravitational radiation and magnetic braking can ideally account for the period change of NN Ser. In this Letter, we attempt to examine a feasible mechanism which can drain the angular momentum from NN Ser. We propose that a fossil circumbinary disk (CB disk) around the binary may have been established at the end of the common envelope phase, and the tidal torques caused by the gravitational interaction between the disk and the binary can efficiently extract the orbital angular momentum from the system. We find that only if M dwarf has an ultra-high wind loss rates of $\sim 10^{-10} M_{\odot} \rm yr^{-1}$, and a large fraction ($δ\sim 10 %$) of wind loss is fed into the CB disk, the loss rates of angular momentum via the CB disk can interpret the period change observed in NN Ser. Such a wind loss rate and $δ$-value seem to be incredible. Hence it seems that the presence of a third body in a long orbit around the binary might account for the changing period of NN Ser.

astro-ph.HE↗