Diffuse Cosmic X-ray Research Articles

Measuring the cosmic X-ray background accurately

Synthesis models of the diffuse Cosmic X-ray Background (CXB) suggest that it can be resolved into discrete sources, primarily Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs). Measuring the CXB accurately offers a unique probe to study the AGN population in the nearby Universe. Current hard X-ray instruments suffer from the time-dependent background and cross-calibration issues. As a result, their measurements of the CXB normalization have an uncertainty of the order of sim 15%. In this paper, we present the concept and simulated performances of a CXB detector, which could be operated on different platforms. With a 16-Unit CubeSat mission running for more than two years in space, such a detector could measure the CXB normalization with sim 1% uncertainty.

Hard X-ray properties of radio-selected blazars

Context. Hard X-ray properties of beamed active galactic nuclei have been published in the 105-month Swift/BAT catalog, but there have not been any studies carried out so far on a well-defined, radio-selected sample of low-peaked blazars in the hard X-ray band. Aims. Using the statistically complete MOJAVE-1 sample, we aim to determine the hard X-ray properties of radio-selected blazars, including the enigmatic group of gamma-ray-faint blazars. Additionally, we aim to determine the contribution of radio-selected low-peaked blazars to the diffuse cosmic X-ray background (CXB). Methods. We determined photon indices, fluxes, and luminosities in the range of 20 keV–100 keV of the X-ray spectra of blazars and other extragalactic jets from the MOJAVE-1 sample, derived from the 105-month Swift/BAT survey. We calculated log N–log S distributions and determined the luminosity functions. Results. The majority of the MOJAVE-1 blazars are found to be hard X-ray emitters albeit many at low count rates. The log N–log S distribution for the hard X-ray emission of radio-selected blazars is clearly non-Euclidean, in contrast to the radio flux density distribution. Approximately 0.2% of the CXB in the 20 keV–100 keV band can be resolved into MOJAVE-1 blazars. Conclusions. The peculiar log N–log S distribution disparity might be attributed to different evolutionary paths in the X-ray and radio bands, as tested by luminosity-function modeling. X-ray variability can be ruled out as the dominant contributor. Low-peaked blazars constitute an intrinsically different source population in terms of CXB contribution compared to similar studies of X-ray-selected blazars. The hard X-ray flux and spectral index can serve as a good proxy for the gamma-ray detection probability of individual sources. Future observations combining deep X-ray survey, for example, with eROSITA, and targeted gamma-ray observations with CTA can benefit strongly from the tight connection between these high-energy bands for the different blazar sub-classes.

Mildly obscured active galaxies and the cosmic X-ray background

The diffuse cosmic X-ray background (CXB) is the sum of the emission of discrete sources, mostly massive black-holes accreting matter in active galactic nuclei (AGN). The CXB spectrum differs from the integration of the spectra of individual sources, calling for a large population, undetected so far, of strongly obscured Compton thick AGN. Such objects are predicted by unified models, which attribute most of the AGN diversity to their inclination on the line of sight, and play an important role for the understanding of the growth of black holes in the early Universe. The fraction of obscured AGN at low redshift can be derived from the observed CXB spectrum assuming AGN spectral templates and luminosity functions. We show that high signal-to-noise average hard X-ray spectra, derived from more than a billion seconds of effective exposure time with the Swift/BAT instrument, imply that mildly obscured Compton thin AGN feature a strong reflection and contribute massively to the CXB. A population of Compton thick AGN larger than that effectively detected is not required, as no more than 6\% of the CXB flux can be attributed to them. The stronger reflection observed in mildly obscured AGN suggests that the covering fraction of the gas and dust surrounding their central engines is a key factor in shaping their appearance. These mildly obscured AGN are easier to study at high redshift than Compton thick sources.

Effects of capillary reflection in the performance of the collimator of the Large Area Detector on board LOFT

The Large Observatory For X-ray Timing (LOFT) is one of the candidate missions selected by the European Space Agency for an initial assessment phase in the Cosmic Vision programme. It is proposed for the M3 launch slot and has broad scientific goals related to fast timing of astrophysical X-ray sources. LOFT will carry the Large Area Detector (LAD), as one of the two core science instruments, necessary to achieve the challenging objectives of the project. LAD is a collimated detector working in the energy range 2-50 keV with an effective area of approximately 10 m^2 at 8 keV. The instrument comprises an array of modules located on deployable panels. Lead-glass microchannel plate (MCP) collimators are located in front of the large-area Silicon Drift Detectors (SDD) to reduce the background contamination from off-axis resolved point sources and from the diffuse X-ray background. The inner walls of the microchannel plate pores reflect grazing incidence X-ray photons with a probability that depends on energy. In this paper, we present a study performed with an ad-hoc simulator of the effects of this capillary reflectivity on the overall instrument performance. The reflectivity is derived from a limited set of laboratory measurements, used to constrain the model. The measurements were taken using a prototype collimator whose thickness is similar to that adopted in the current baseline design proposed for the LAD. We find that the experimentally measured level of reflectivity of the pore inner walls enhances the off-axis transmission at low energies, producing an almost flat-top response. The resulting background increase due to the diffuse cosmic X-ray emission and sources within the field of view does not degrade the instrument sensitivity.

Onboard performance of the RT-2 detectors

The RT-2 Experiment onboard the CORONAS-PHOTON satellite is designed to study the spectral, temporal, and spatial details of solar hard X-ray flares in the 15–150 keV range. Above this energy (and upto 1000 keV), it also acts as an omni-directional gamma-ray detector with a capability to study gamma-ray bursts (GRB), bright solar flares, and X-ray pulsars. With an ensemble of hard X-ray detectors with different fields of view and coding devices, it also has the capability to investigate the spectrum of Cosmic Diffuse X-ray Background. The performance of the detectors from 2009 February to November is described in this paper. Results obtained on a few GRBs and solar flares are also briefly discussed.

Instruments of RT-2 experiment onboard CORONAS-PHOTON and their test and evaluation I: ground calibration of RT-2/S and RT-2/G

Phoswich detectors (RT-2/S & RT-2/G) are major scientific payloads of the RT-2 Experiment onboard the CORONAS-PHOTON mission, which was launched into a polar Low Earth Orbit of around 550 km on 2009 January 30. These RT-2 instruments are designed and developed to observe solar flares in hard X-rays and to understand the energy transport processes associated with these flares. Apart from this, these instruments are capable of observing Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) and Cosmic diffuse X-ray background (CDXRB). Both detectors consist of identical NaI(Tl) and CsI(Na) scintillation crystals in a Phoswich combination, having the same diameter (116 mm) but different thicknesses. The normal working energy range is from 15 keV to 150 keV, but may be extendable up to ~1 MeV. In this paper, we present the RT-2/S and RT-2/G instruments and discuss their testing and calibration results. We used different radio-active sources to calibrate both detectors. The radio-active source 57Co (122 keV) is used for onboard calibration of both instruments. During its lifetime (∼3–5 years), RT-2 is expected to cover the peak of the 24th solar cycle.

TheINTEGRALcomplete sample of type 1 AGN

In this paper we discuss the broad-band X-ray characteristics of a complete sample of 36 type 1 AGN, detected by INTEGRAL in the 20-40 keV band above the 5.5sigma level. We present, for all the objects in the sample, the broad-band (1-110 keV) spectral analysis obtained by using INTEGRAL/Swift-BAT observations together with XMM-Newton, Chandra, ASCA and Swift/XRT data. We also present the general average properties of the sample, i.e. the distribution of photon indices, high energy cut-offs, reflection fractions and absorption properties, together with an in-depth analysis of their parameter space. We find that the average Seyfert 1 power law has an index of 1.7 with a dispersion of 0.2. The mean cut-off energy is at around 100 keV, with most objects displaying Ec in the range 50-150 keV; the average amount of Compton reflection is 1.5 with a typical dispersion of 0.7. We do not find any convincing correlation between the various parameters, an indication that our analysis is not strongly dependent by the interplay between them. Finally, we investigate how the results presented in this work fit into current frameworks for AGN spectral modeling and Cosmic Diffuse X-ray Background synthesis models.

The MAXI Mission on the ISS: Science and Instruments for Monitoring All-Sky X-Ray Images

Abstract The Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI) mission is the first astronomical payload to be installed on the Japanese Experiment Module — Exposed Facility (JEM-EF or Kibo-EF) on the International Space Station. It has two types of X-ray slit cameras with wide FOVs and two kinds of X-ray detectors consisting of gas proportional counters covering the energy range of 2 to 30 keV and X-ray CCDs covering the energy range of 0.5 to 12 keV. MAXI will be more powerful than any previous X-ray All Sky Monitor payloads, being able to monitor hundreds of Active Galactic Nuclei. A realistic simulation under optimal observation conditions suggests that MAXI will provide all-sky images of X-ray sources of $\sim $20 mCrab ($\sim $7 $\times$ 10$^{-10} $erg cm$^{-2} $s$^{-1}$ in the energy band of 2–30 keV) from observations during one ISS orbit (90 min), $\sim $4.5 mCrab for one day, and $\sim $2 mCrab for one week. The final detectability of MAXI could be $\sim $0.2 mCrab for two years, which is comparable to the source confusion limit of the MAXI field of view (FOV). The MAXI objectives are: (1) to alert the community to X-ray novae and transient X-ray sources, (2) to monitor long-term variabilities of X-ray sources, (3) to stimulate multi-wavelength observations of variable objects, (4) to create unbiased X-ray source cataloges, and (5) to observe diffuse cosmic X-ray emissions, especially with better energy resolution for soft X-rays down to 0.5 keV.

High-energy neutrinos from extragalactic jets

In this paper I calculate the diffuse background of high-energy neutrinos from extragalactic jets emerging from active galactic nuclei (AGN). I assume that radio-quiet AGN have jets that are disrupted by turbulence in the vicinity of an accretion disk surrounding a central black hole and remain invisible in the radio band. In contrast, radio-loud AGN have high Mach number jets which dissipate in a strong shock far away from the AGN. It is assumed that protons are accelerated to ultra-high energies in jets. Photo-production of pions induces neutrino emission and electromagnetic cascades. The cascade spectra are in agreement with the most recent X- and γ-ray observations of AGN; in particular with the lack of γ-ray emission from radio-quiet AGN and the powerful γ-ray emission from flat-spectrum radio-loud AGN. A high energy neutrino background from radio-quiets is predicted assuming that they produce the cosmic diffuse X-ray background. However, the flux limits from the Fréjus proton decay experiment are violated by this prediction. On the other hand, recent γ-ray observations make it very plausible that the diffuse γ-ray background at least above 100 MeV is due to radio-loud AGN. A striking similarity exists between the energy fluxes of diffuse γ-rays above 100 MeV and cosmic ray protons above the ankle. This is an independent argument for proton acceleration in radio jets consistent with the explanation of the individual γ-ray spectra by hadronically induced cascades. The corresponding prediction of a neutrino flux at ultra-high energies therefore rests on a firm basis.

SAC-B small scientific satellite

The SAC-B mission is being conducted by the Argentine Commission on Space Activities (CONAE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from the United States of America. The spacecraft will carry a scientific payload integrated by two co-ordinated solar experiments to observe solar flares; an instrument to measure the X-ray time profile of gamma-ray bursts and a spectrometer for the measurement of the cosmic diffuse X-ray background. The SAC-B mission will use a low-cost, small spacecraft which is being designed and will be constructed in Argentina. The SAC-B is planned to be launched, using a NASA-provided PEGASUS rocket, in December of 1994.

Ginga observations of Seyfert galaxies

We observed twenty-eight Seyfert 2 galaxies with the Japanese X-ray satellite, Ginga, and found Seyfert 2 galaxies, in general, have the X-ray spectral characteristics of obscured Seyfert 1 nuclei. This result agrees with the predictions from Unified Seyfert model proposed by Antonucci and Miller /1/. However, among the observed Seyfert 2 galaxies, there are a few galaxies with no evidence of an obscuration, contrary to the general predictions of the unified model. We note that type 2 AGN will contribute to the Cosmic Diffuse X-ray Background, if the unified Seyfert model can be extended to the far distant AGN such as quasars.

An Updated Calibration of the ROSAT PSPC Particle Background for the Analysis of Diffuse and Extended Sources

In order to permit quantitative studies of the cosmic diffuse X-ray background (DXRB) and of extended X-ray sources, we present updated calibrations of the particle-induced background of the Position Sensitive Proportional Counters (PSPCs) on board the Rontgen Satellite (ROSAT). We present new parameterizations of the temporal, spectral, and spatial distributions of the particle-induced events following closely the analysis discussed in Snowden et al. (1992). The ROSAT Guest Observer (GO) may find a step-by-step method for applying these parameterizations to a GO observation in 3.4

The particle background of the ROSAT PSPC

In order to permit quantitative studies of the diffuse cosmic X-ray background and of extended X-ray sources, the particle induced background of the Roentgen Satellite, Rosat, Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) is parameterized. Data collected during 210,000 s of PSPC operation have been analyzed and the temporal, spectral, and spatial distributions investigated. About 77 percent of the residual events originate within the detector while the remainder enter through the counter window. During typical conditions, the count rate of the residual events is well correlated with the Master Veto (MV) count rate. The spectrum of these events is well described by a flat component plus a soft power law and an Al K-alpha line at 1.5 keV. Also during typical conditions, the ratio between the power law and flat components remains constant to +/- 4 while the relative Al K-alpha contribution increases with increasing MV count rate. The distribution of the counts over the field of view is uniform except for a slight radial dependence and shadowing caused by blockage of the externally produced component by the window support structure.

The X-ray spectra of high-luminosity active galactic nuclei observed by Ginga

view Abstract Citations (195) References (85) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The X-Ray Spectra of High-Luminosity Active Galactic Nuclei Observed by Ginga Williams, O. R. ; Turner, M. J. L. ; Stewart, G. C. ; Saxton, R. D. ; Ohashi, T. ; Makishima, K. ; Kii, T. ; Inoue, H. ; Makino, F. ; Hayashida, K. ; Koyama, K. Abstract Results are presented on the X-ray emission from 13 objects, observed by Ginga as part of a spectral survey of bright quasars in the energy range 2-20 keV. The distribution of the power-law energy index for this sample has a mean of α = 0.81 and shows significant intrinsic dispersion, σ = 0.31, values which are broadly compatible with those from samples of lower luminosity active galactic nuclei. The mean spectral slope is clearly too steep to fit the spectrum of the cosmic diffuse X-ray background (CXB) at energies less than 20 keV, confirming the "spectral paradox" in the discrete-source explanation of the CXB. We have searched for correlations between the X-ray spectral properties and those in other frequency bands, and have found a possible connection between the near-infrared spectral indices and the X-ray properties of quasars. There is also evidence that quasars with steep X-ray spectra are radio-quiet, in support of the previous results obtained for the 0.3-3.5 keV band; our results, however, are compatible with a single power-law component in the 0.3-10 keV range, in contrast to some previous results. The first evidence for departures from a simple power-law continuum in Mrk 205 is revealed; this, together with previously reported evidence for iron lines in other quasars, suggests that an appreciable fraction of quasars may possess iron lines with equivalent widths ~100 eV. Models involving reprocessing of continuum flux in cool material near the core, successful in the case of Seyfert galaxies, fit well for the lower luminosity objects in our sample; for the high-luminosity objects the fit is not as good, and other processes, such as beaming, may be implicated. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: April 1992 DOI: 10.1086/171194 Bibcode: 1992ApJ...389..157W Keywords: Active Galactic Nuclei; Active Galaxies; Astronomical Satellites; Galactic Radiation; Quasars; X Ray Spectra; Accretion Disks; Cosmic X Rays; Emission Spectra; Near Infrared Radiation; Seyfert Galaxies; X Ray Astronomy; Astrophysics; GALAXIES: ACTIVE; GALAXIES: NUCLEI; GALAXIES: QUASARS: GENERAL; X-RAYS: GALAXIES full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (16) NED (15)

A soft X-ray image of the Moon

A soft X-ray image of the Moon obtained by the Rontgen Observatory Satellite ROSAT clearly shows a sunlit crescent, demonstrating that the Moon's X-ray luminosity arises from backscattering of solar X-rays. The Moon's optically dark side is also X-ray dark, and casts a distinct shadow on the diffuse cosmic X-ray background. Unexpectedly, the dark side seems to emit X-rays at a level about one per cent of that of the bright side; this emission very probably results from energetic solar-wind electrons striking the Moon's surface.

The Silicon X-ray Array SIXA onboard Spectrum-X-Gamma

The SPECTRUM - X - GAMMA mission is being developed by the Space Research Institute (IKI), USSR, together with many other countries and is scheduled for launch in 1993 /1,2/. Mission objectives include broad and narrow band imaging spectroscopy over a wide range of energies from the EUV through gamma rays, with an emphasis on studying galactic and extragalactic X-ray sources. The Danish Space Research Institute (DSRI) and IKI will provide two thin-foil X-ray telescopes (SODART), each with an aperture of 60 cm and focal length of 8 m. They are designed to have a half-power width of less than 2 arc minutes and will have collecting areas of 1700, 1200 and 100 cm 2 at 1, 8 and 20 keV, respectively. Images and polarization will be recorded by position- sensitive proportional counters. Moderate resolution spectroscopy will be done by the segmented solid state detector SIXA (Silicon X-ray Array), designed and to be constructed by a consortium in Finland, Denmark and USSR. Finland will have the main responsibility in financing and delivering the detector. The Institute of Electromechanics in Moscow will provide its passive cooling system (110 K). The detector will consist of 19 segments (Si(Li)), each with a diameter of about 8 mm. The spectral resolution of 160 eV (at 6 keV), combined with the large collecting area, provide good opportunities for time-resolved iron line spectroscopy ( 6 – 8 keV). The potential observing program includes stellar coronae, cataclysmic variables and X-ray binaries, accretion discs and coronae of neutron stars and black hole candidates, supernova-remnants, active galactic nuclei, clusters of galaxies and the diffuse cosmic X-ray background. We demonstrate the instrument's power through some astrophysical simulations.

Cosmic X-ray Background from Self-absorbed Low Luminosity AGNs

AbstractA model is proposed for the origin of the diffuse cosmic x-ray background whereby it is primarily due to the contribution of low luminosity active galactic nuclei which are increasingly self-absorbed at low luminosities. Strong self-absorption for low luminosity objects allows the observed background spectrum to be flatter in the ~2-20 keV band than the asymptotic spectrum, assumed to have mean index γ ~ -0.7 up to a high energy cutoff at ~125 keV. The model can account for the spectral shape and intensity of the background spectrum, as well as its possible fluctuations, if the AGN undergo modest density evolution and the bulk of the CXB arises from AGNs at redshifts z ~ 1-3. The model can be tested with AXAF observations of low luminosity AGNs at 5-10 keV and sensitive new hard x-ray observations.

SIXA: The Solid State Spectrometer Array Onboard Spectrum-X-Gamma

AbstractThe SPECTRUM - X-GAMMA mission is being developed by the Space Research Institute (IKI), USSR, together with many other countries and is scheduled for launch in 1993 ( Sunyaev,1990; Schnopper,1990). Mission objectives include broad and narrow band imaging spectroscopy over a wide range of energies from the EUV through gamma rays, with an emphasis on studying galactic and extragalactic X-ray sources. The Danish Space Research Institute (DSRI) and IKI will provide two thin-foil X-ray telescopes (SODART), each with an aperture of 60 cm and focal length of 8 m. They are designed to have a half-power width of less than 2 arc minutes and will have collecting areas of 1700, 1200 and 100 cm2 at 1, 8 and 20 keV, respectively. Images and polarization will be recorded by position-sensitive proportional counters. Moderate resolution spectroscopy will be done by the segmented solid state detector SIXA (Silicon X-ray Array), designed and to be constructed by a consortium in Finland, Denmark and USSR. Finland will have the main responsibility in financing and delivering the detector. The Institute of Electromechanics in Moscow will provide its passive cooling system (110 K). The detector will consist of 19 segments (Si(Li)), each with a diameter of about 8 mm. The spectral resolution of 160 eV (at 6 keV), combined with the large collecting area, provide good opportunities for time-resolved iron line spectroscopy ( 6-8 keV). The potential observing program includes stellar coronae, cataclysmic variables and X-ray binaries, accretion discs and coronae of neutron stars and black hole candidates, supernova-remnants, active galactic nuclei, clusters of galaxies and the diffuse cosmic X-ray background. We demonstrate the instrument’s power through some astrophysical simulations.

An Imaging Proportional Counter for a 0.1 to 10 keV X-Ray Telescope

A xenon multi-wire position sensitive proportional counter with a high degree of differential spatial linearity (better than 50?m) and long-term stability has been constructed and tested in detail. It is suitable for a 0.1 to 10 keV X-ray telescope such as AXAF, which it would share with detectors having better spatial and spectral resolution. Compared to other detectors, the larger format, higher quantum efficiency, and lower background of the PSPC makes it generally the most useful instrument for observations of diffuse cosmic X-ray sources and associations of sources more extended than a few tenths of a degree in diameter. Given the good spatial linearity the systematic uncertainty for source locations is finer than an arcsecond. The spatial resolution varies as 0.3 mm/E0-5 (keV) over the range 0.2-4 keV in accordance with theoretical limits determined by the size and the number of electrons in the primary charge cloud.

An Australian Broad-band Satellite for X-ray Astronomy

AbstractA broad-band (2-190 keV) Australian X-ray satellite could provide a spectral sensitivity substantially better than HEAO-1 or any presently approved spacecraft. It would be virtually unique by providing simultaneously data over a wide energy range with high sensitivity and energy resolution in the little measured region above 30 keV. These measurements are vital to our understanding of such diverse topics as the cyclotron line production mechanism in binary sources, the structure of the magnetosphere of neutron stars, the origin of the diffuse cosmic X-ray background and the nature of the giant power sources in active galaxies and stellar black holes. Details of the proposed spacecraft and scientific objectives are given.