Studies on the soft intermediate state X-ray flare of MAXI J1535−571 during its 2017 outburst

Abstract

ABSTRACT We analysed an observation with the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array of the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1535−571 in the soft intermediate state, in which we detected a 2.5-ks long flare. Our spectral fitting results suggest that MAXI J1535−571 possesses a high spin of $0.97_{-0.10}^{+0.02}$ and a low inclination of approximately 24°. We observed a gradual increase in the inner disc radius, as determined from fits to the continuum spectrum. This trend is inconsistent with an increased flux ratio of the thermal component, as well as the source evolving towards the soft state. This inconsistency may be attributed to a gradual decrease of the colour correction factor. Additionally, with a flare velocity of approximately 0.5 c and a higher hardness ratio during the flare period, the quasi-simultaneous detection of a type-B QPO in the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer data, and quasi-simultaneous ejecta launch through radio observations collectively provide strong evidence supporting the possibility that the flare originated from a discrete jet ejection.