International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory Satellite Research Articles

Using Chandra Localizations and Gaia Distances and Proper Motions to Classify Hard X-Ray Sources Discovered by INTEGRAL

Abstract Here, we report on X-ray observations of ten 17–60 keV sources discovered by the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory satellite. The primary new information is sub-arcsecond positions obtained by the Chandra X-ray Observatory. In six cases (IGR J17040-4305, IGR J18017-3542, IGR J18112-2641, IGR J18434-0508, IGR J19504+3318, and IGR J20084+3221), a unique Chandra counterpart is identified with a high degree of certainty, and for five of these sources (all but J19504), Gaia distances or proper motions indicate that they are Galactic sources. For four of these, the most likely classifications are that the sources are magnetic cataclysmic variables (CVs). J20084 could be either a magnetic CV or a high-mass X-ray binary. We classify the sixth source (J19504) as a likely active galactic nucleus (AGN). In addition, we find likely Chandra counterparts to IGR J18010-3045 and IGR J19577+3339, and the latter is a bright radio source and probable AGN. The other two sources, IGR J12529-6351 and IGR J18013-3222, do not have likely Chandra counterparts, indicating that they are transient, highly variable, or highly absorbed.

Optical and Infrared Study of the Obscured B[e] Supergiant High-mass X-Ray Binary IGR J16318–4848*

Abstract The supergiant high-mass X-ray binary IGR J16318–4848 was the first source detected by the INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory satellite in 2003 and distinguishes itself by its high intrinsic absorption and B[e] phenomenon. It is the perfect candidate to study both binary interaction and the environment of supergiant B[e] stars. This study targets the local properties of IGR J16318–4848. We aim to clarify the geometry of this system and distinguish different key emitting regions in the binary. We provide optical to near-infrared (NIR) spectra from the Very Large Telescope/X-Shooter and analyze both fine structures of the lines and the broadband spectral energy distribution by adding archival mid-infrared Spitzer and Herschel data. We also perform a stellar atmosphere and wind modeling of the optical to NIR spectrum using the Potsdam Wolf–Rayet code. We determine the contribution of the irradiated inner edge of the dusty circumbinary disk, derive the velocity of an equatorial stellar wind, and suggest the compact object orbits within the cavity between the star and the disk. We report on flat-topped lines originating from a spherically symmetric disk wind, along with the first detection of what is likely the polar component of the stellar wind. Stellar atmosphere and wind modeling shows that the central star may have a helium-enhanced atmosphere, likely because of its intense wind shedding part of its hydrogen envelope. Finally, we compare the properties of IGR J16318–4848 with a similar source, CI Cameleopardis.

A recent change in the optical and γ-ray polarization of the Crab nebula and pulsar

We report on observations of the polarization of optical and {\gamma}-ray photons from the Crab nebula and pulsar system using the Galway Astronomical Stokes Polarimeter (GASP), the Hubble Space Telescope/Advanced Camera for Surveys (HST/ACS) and the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory satellite (Integral). These, when combined with other optical polarization observations, suggest that the polarized optical emission and {\gamma}-ray polarization changes in a similar manner. A change in the optical polarization angle has been observed by this work, from 109.5 \pm 0.7\deg in 2005 to 85.3 \pm 1.4 \deg in 2012. On the other hand, the {\gamma}-ray polarization angle changed from 115 \pm 11 \deg in 2003-2007 to 80 \pm 12 \deg in 2012-2014. Strong flaring activities have been detected in the Crab nebula over the past few years by the high energy {\gamma}-ray missions Agile and Fermi, and magnetic reconnection processes have been suggested to explain these observations. The change in the polarized optical and {\gamma}-ray emission of the Crab nebula/pulsar as observed, for the first time, by GASP and Integral may indicate that reconnection is possibly at work in the Crab nebula. We also report, for the first time, a non-zero measure of the optical circular polarization from the Crab pulsar+knot system.

Polarized Gamma-Ray Emission from the Crab

Pulsar systems accelerate particles to immense energies. The detailed functioning of these engines is still poorly understood, but polarization measurements of high-energy radiation may allow us to locate where the particles are accelerated. We have detected polarized gamma rays from the vicinity of the Crab pulsar using data from the spectrometer on the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory satellite. Our results show polarization with an electric vector aligned with the spin axis of the neutron star, demonstrating that a substantial fraction of the high-energy electrons responsible for the polarized photons are produced in a highly ordered structure close to the pulsar.

A basic component for ISGRI, the CdTe gamma camera on board the INTEGRAL satellite

A basic component, called Polycell, has been developed for the ISGRI (INTEGRAL Soft Gamma Ray Imager) CdTe camera on board the INTEGRAL (INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory) satellite. Operating at room temperature, it covers the 20 keV -1 MeV energy range. It features a sub-ensemble of 16 CdTe detectors and their associated front end electronics. This electronics is based on 4-channel analog-digital ASICs. Their analog part features a low noise preamplifier, allowing a threshold below 20 keV and a pulse rise-time measurement which permits a charge loss correction. The digital part ensures the internal acquisition timing sequence as well as the dialogue with external electronics. Two versions of the ISGRI ASIC have been developed in a collaboration of two CEA microelectronics teams from CEA/DTA/LETI/DSYS and CEA/DSM/DAPNIA/SEI, respectively on a standard CMOS AMS process hardened against radiation by lay-out, and on a Silicon On Insulator process (DMILL MHS), the latter being latch-up free. This paper presents the ASIC and polycell architecture as well as experimental results obtained with polycells equipped with AMS ASICs.

On-board electronics for BLIMP: a balloon-borne prototype for the INTEGRAL satellite

The data handling electronics for BLIMP (Balloon launched Integral Model Payload), a prototype of the IMAGER experiment on board the INTEGRAL (International Gamma Ray Astrophysics Laboratory) mission (ESA, M2 Phase A Study) is described. A parallel modular and expandable architecture is used to handle the 100-pixel detector. Each pixel is a CsI (Tl) bar coupled to two photodiodes. The main components of the on-board electronics are based on field programmable gate arrays to provide good flexibility and compactness. This system is capable of handling about 10000 events/s. The structure, the tests, and future improvements are described in detail. The same type of architecture is proposed for the IMAGER electronics. >