Self-consistent Reflection Model Research Articles

Relativistic X-ray reflection from the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J17498-2921

Abstract The accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J17498-2921 went into X-ray outburst on April 13-15, 2023, for the first time since its discovery on August 11, 2011. Here, we report on the first follow-up NuSTAR observation of the source, performed on April 23, 2023, around ten days after the peak of the outburst. The NuSTAR spectrum of the persistent emission (3 − 60 keV band) is well described by an absorbed blackbody with a temperature of kTbb = 1.61 ± 0.04 keV, most likely arising from the NS surface and a Comptonization component with power-law index Γ = 1.79 ± 0.02, arising from a hot corona at kTe = 16 ± 2 keV. The X-ray spectrum of the source shows robust reflection features which have not been observed before. We use a couple of self-consistent reflection models, relxill and relxillCp, to fit the reflection features. We find an upper limit to the inner disc radius of 6 RISCO and 9 RISCO from relxill and relxillCp model, respectively. The inclination of the system is estimated to be ≃ 40○ from both reflection models. Assuming magnetic truncation of the accretion disc, the upper limit of magnetic field strength at the pole of the NS is found to be B ≲ 1.8 × 108 G. Furthermore, the NuSTAR observation revealed two type I X-ray bursts and the burst spectroscopy confirms the thermonuclear nature of the burst. The blackbody temperature reaches nearly 2.2 keV at the peak of the burst.

Investigation into the reflection properties of the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1636–53

We present the spectroscopy of the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1636–53 using six simultaneous XMM-Newton and Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer observations. We applied different self-consistent reflection models to explore the features when the disk is illuminated by either the corona or the neutron star surface. We found that the spectra could be well fitted by these two types of models, with the derived emissivity index below a typical value of 3. The relative low emissivity can be explained if the neutron star and the corona, working together as an extended illuminator, simultaneously illuminate and ionize the disk. Additionally, the derived ionization parameter in the lamppost geometry is larger than the theoretical prediction. This inconsistency likely suggests that the corona does not emit isotropically in a realistic context. Furthermore, we also found that there is a possible trend between the height of the corona and the normalization of the disk emission. This could be understood either as a variation in the reflected radiation pressure or in the context of a jet base. Finally, we found that the disk is less ionized if it is illuminated by the neutron star, indicating that the illuminating source has significant influence on the physical properties of the disk.

Spectral analysis of the low-mass X-ray pulsar 4U 1822-371: Reflection component in a high-inclination system

Context. The X-ray source 4U 1822-371 is an eclipsing low-mass X-ray binary and X-ray pulsar, hosting a NS that shows periodic pulsations in the X-ray band with a period of 0.59 s. The inclination angle of the system is so high (80–85°) that in principle, it should be hard to observe both the direct thermal emission of the central object and the reflection component of the spectrum because they are hidden by the outer edge of the accretion disc. Despite the number of studies carried out on this source, many aspects such as the geometry of the system, its luminosity, and its spectral features are still debated. Aims. Assuming that the source accretes at the Eddington limit, the analysis performed in this paper aims to investigate the presence of a reflection component. No such component has been observed before in a high-inclination accretion-disc corona source such as 4U 1822-371. To do this, we use large-area instruments with sensitivity in a broad energy range. Methods. We analysed non-simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of 4U 1822-371 and studied the average broad-band spectrum. We first reproduced the results reported in the literature, then focused on the research of reflection features. We modelled the spectral emission of the source using two different reflection models, DISKLINE plus PEXRIV or, alternatively, the self-consistent reflection model RFXCONV. We also included six Gaussian components ascribable to emission lines at low energies. Results. In our analysis, we find significant evidence of a reflection component in the spectrum, in addition to two narrow (Gaussian) lines at 6.4 and 7.1 keV associated with neutral (or mildly ionised) iron, Fe Kα, and Kβ transitions, respectively. The continuum spectrum is well fitted by a saturated Comptonisation model with an electron temperature of 4.9 keV and a thermal black-body-like component that might be emitted by the accretion disc at a lower temperature (∼0.2 keV). We identify emission lines from O VIII, Ne IX, Mg XI, and Si XIV. We also added two new eclipse times related to NuSTAR and Swift observations to the most recent ephemeris reported in literature, updating thus the ephemeris and finding a Porb = 5.57063023(34) h and a Ṗorb value of 1.51(5) × 10−10 s s−1. Conclusions. In our proposed scenario, 4U 1822-371 is accreting at the Eddington limit with an intrinsic luminosity of ∼1038 erg s−2, while the observed luminosity is two orders of magnitude lower because of the high inclination angle of the system. Despite this high inclination, we find that a reflection component is required to fit residuals at the Fe line range and to model the hard excess observed in the NuSTAR spectrum. The inclination inferred from the reflection component is in agreement with values previously reported in literature for this source, while the best-fit value of the inner disc radius is still uncertain and model dependent. More observations are therefore needed to confirm these results, which can give important information on the central emitting region in this enigmatic and peculiar source.

Ionisation state of the accretion disc in the neutron-star low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1728−34

We analysed an XMM-Newton plus a simultaneous Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer observation and a separate Suzaku observation of the neutron-star low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1728-34. We fitted the X-ray spectra with the self-consistent reflection model relxill. We found that the inclination angle of 4U 1728-34 is 49 degrees, consistent with the upper limit of 60 degrees deduced from the absence of eclipses or dips in this source. The inclination angle in the fit of the XMM-Newton/RXTE observation is larger than 85 degrees, which may be due to the possible calibration issues of the PN instrument in timing mode. We also found that the thermal emission from the accretion disc is not significant. This could be explained either by the relatively high column density of the interstellar medium along the line of sight to the source, which decreases the number of soft disc photons, or if most of the soft thermal photons from the disc are reprocessed in the corona. The ionisation parameter derived from the fits is larger than the value predicted in the framework of the standard reflection model, wherein the disc is irradiated by an X-ray source above the compact object. This inconsistency suggests that irradiation from the neutron star and its boundary layer may play an important role in the ionisation of the accretion disc, and hence in the reflection component in this source.

NuSTARandXMM–Newtonbroad-band spectrum of SAX J1808.4–3658 during its latest outburst in 2015

The first discovered accreting millisecond pulsar, SAX J1808.4-3658, went into X-ray outburst in April 2015. We triggered a 100 ks XMM-Newton ToO, taken at the peak of the outburst, and a 55 ks NuSTAR ToO, performed four days apart. We report here the results of a detailed spectral analysis of both the XMM-Newton and NuSTAR spectra. While the XMM-Newton spectrum appears much softer than in previous observations, the NuSTAR spectrum confirms the results obtained with XMM-Newton during the 2008 outburst. We find clear evidence of a broad iron line that we interpret as produced by reflection from the inner accretion disk. For the first time, we use a self-consistent reflection model to fit the reflection features in the NuSTAR spectrum; in this case we find a statistically significant improvement of the fit with respect to a simple Gaussian or diskline model to fit the iron line, implying that the reflection continuum is also significantly detected. Despite the differences evident between the XMM-Newton and NuSTAR spectra, the smearing best-fit parameters found for these spectra are consistent with each other and are compatible with previous results. In particular, we find an upper limit to the inner disk radius of $\sim 12~R_g$. In all the cases, a high inclination angle ($>50^\circ$) of the system is required. This inclination angle, combined with measurements of the radial velocity of the optical companion, results in a low value for the neutron star mass ($<0.8\,M_\odot$), a result that deserves further investigation.

A re-analysis of theNuSTARandXMM-Newtonbroad-band spectrum of Serpens X-1

Context: Ser X-1 is a well studied LMXB which clearly shows a broad iron line. Recently, Miller et al. (2103) have presented broad-band, high quality NuSTAR data of SerX-1.Using relativistically smeared self-consistent reflection models, they find a value of R_in close to 1.0 R_ISCO (corresponding to 6 R_g), and a low inclination angle, less than 10 deg. Aims: The aim of this paper is to probe to what extent the choice of reflection and continuum models (and uncertainties therein) can affect the conclusions about the disk parameters inferred from the reflection component. To this aim we re-analyze all the available public NuSTAR and XMM-Newton. Ser X-1 is a well studied source, its spectrum has been observed by several instruments, and is therefore one of the best sources for this study. Methods: We use slightly different continuum and reflection models with respect to those adopted in literature for this source. In particular we fit the iron line and other reflection features with self-consistent reflection models as reflionx (with a power-law illuminating continuum modified with a high energy cutoff to mimic the shape of the incident Comptonization spectrum) and rfxconv. With these models we fit NuSTAR and XMM-Newton spectra yielding consistent spectral results. Results: Our results are in line with those already found by Miller et al. (2013) but less extreme. In particular, we find the inner disk radius at about 13 R_g and an inclination angle with respect to the line of sight of about 27 deg. We conclude that, while the choice of the reflection model has little impact on the disk parameters, as soon as a self-consistent model is used, the choice of the continuum model can be important in the precise determination of the disk parameters from the reflection component. Hence broad-band X-ray spectra are highly preferable to constrain the continuum and disk parameters.

Study of the reflection spectrum of the LMXB 4U 1702-429

The source 4U 1702-429 (Ara X-1) is a low-mass X-ray binary system hosting a neutron star. Albeit the source is quite bright ( $\sim10^{37}$ erg s$^{-1}$) its broadband spectrum has never been studied. Neither dips nor eclipses have been observed in the light curve suggesting that its inclination angle is smaller than 60$^{\circ}$.We analysed the broadband spectrum of 4U 1702-429 in the 0.3-60 keV energy range, using XMM-Newton and INTEGRAL data, to constrain its Compton reflection component if it is present. After excluding the three time intervals in which three type-I X-ray bursts occurred, we fitted the joint XMM-Newton and INTEGRAL spectra obtained from simultaneous observations. A broad emission line at 6.7 keV and two absorption edges at 0.87 and 8.82 keV were detected. We found that a self-consistent reflection model fits the 0.3-60 keV spectrum well. The broadband continuum is composed of an emission component originating from the inner region of the accretion disc, a Comptonised direct emission coming from a corona with an electron temperature of $2.63 \pm 0.06$ keV and an optical depth $\tau=13.6 \pm 0.2$, and, finally, a reflection component. The best-fit indicates that the broad emission line and the absorption edge at 8.82 keV, both associated with the presence of \ion{Fe}{xxv} ions, are produced by reflection in the region above the disc with a ionisation parameter of $Log(\xi) \simeq 2.7$. We have inferred that the inner radius, where the broad emission line originates, is $64^{+52}_{-15}$ km, and the inner radius of the accretion disc is $39^{+6}_{-8}$ km. (Abridged)

Study of the reflection spectrum of the accreting neutron star GX 3+1 using XMM–Newton and INTEGRAL

Broad emission features of abundant chemical elements, such as Iron, are commonly seen in the X-ray spectra of accreting compact objects and their studies can provide useful information about the geometry of the accretion processes. In this work, we focus our attention on GX 3+1, a bright, persistent accreting low mass X-ray binary, classified as an atoll source. Its spectrum is well described by an accretion disc plus a stable comptonizing, optically thick corona which dominates the X-ray emission in the 0.3-20 keV energy band. In addition, four broad emission lines are found and we associate them with reflection of hard photons from the inner regions of the accretion disc where doppler and relativistic effects are important. We used self-consistent reflection models to fit the spectra of the 2010 XMM-Newton observation and the stacking of the whole datasets of 2010 INTEGRAL observations. We conclude that the spectra are consistent with reflection produced at ~10 gravitational radii by an accretion disc with an ionization parameter of xi~600 erg cm/s and viewed under an inclination angle of the system of ~35{\deg}. Furthermore, we detected for the first time for GX 3+1, the presence of a powerlaw component dominant at energies higher than 20 keV, possibly associated with an optically thin component of non-thermal electrons.

Suzaku broad-band spectrum of 4U 1705−44: probing the reflection component in the hard state

Iron emission lines at 6.4–6.97 keV, identified with Kα radiative transitions, are among the strongest discrete features in the X-ray band. These are one of the most powerful probes to infer the properties of the plasma in the innermost part of the accretion disc around a compact object. In this paper, we present a recent Suzaku observation, 100-ks effective exposure, of the atoll source and X-ray burster 4U 1705−44, where we clearly detect signatures of a reflection component which is distorted by the high-velocity motion in the accretion disc. The reflection component consists of a broad iron line at about 6.4 keV and a Compton bump at high X-ray energies, around 20 keV. All these features are consistently fitted with a reflection model, and we find that in the hard state the smearing parameters are remarkably similar to those found in a previous XMM–Newton observation performed in the soft state. In particular, we find that the inner disc radius is Rin = 17 ± 5Rg (where Rg is the gravitational radius, GM/c2), the emissivity dependence from the disc radius is r−2.5 ± 0.5, the inclination angle with respect to the line of sight is i = 43° ± 5°, and the outer radius of the emitting region in the disc is Rout > 200Rg. We note that the accretion disc does not appear to be truncated at large radii, although the source is in a hard state at ∼3 per cent of the Eddington luminosity for a neutron star. We also find evidence of a broad emission line at low energies, at 3.03 ± 0.03 keV, compatible with emission from mildly ionized argon (Ar XVI–XVII). Argon transitions are not included in the self-consistent reflection models that we used and we therefore added an extra component to our model to fit this feature. The low-energy line appears compatible with being smeared by the same inner disc parameters found for the reflection component.

Testing reflection features in 4U 1705−44 withXMM-Newton,BeppoSAX, and RXTE in the hard and soft states

We use data of the bright atoll source 4U 1705-44 taken with XMM-Newton, BeppoSAX and RXTE both in the hard and in the soft state to perform a self-consistent study of the reflection component in this source. Although the data from these X-ray observatories are not simultaneous, the spectral decomposition is shown to be consistent among the different observations, when the source flux is similar. We therefore select observations performed at similar flux levels in the hard and soft state in order to study the spectral shape in these two states in a broad band (0.1-200 keV) energy range, with good energy resolution, and using self-consistent reflection models. These reflection models provide a good fit for the X-ray spectrum both in the hard and in the soft state in the whole spectral range. We discuss the differences in the main spectral parameters we find in the hard and the soft state, respectively, providing evidence that the inner radius of the optically thick disk slightly recedes in the hard state.

Multistate observations of the Galactic black hole XTE J1752−223: evidence for an intermediate black hole spin

The Galactic Black hole candidate XTE J1752-223 was observed during the decay of its 2009 outburst with the Suzaku and XMM-Newton observatories. The observed spectra are consistent with the source being in the ''intermediate`` and ''low-hard state`` respectively. The presence of a strong, relativistic iron emission line is clearly detected in both observations and the line profiles are found to be remarkably consistent and robust to a variety of continuum models. This strongly points to the compact object in \j\ being a stellar-mass black hole accretor and not a neutron star. Physically-motivated and self-consistent reflection models for the Fe-\ka\ emission-line profile and disk reflection spectrum rule out either a non-rotating, Schwarzchild black hole or a maximally rotating, Kerr black hole at greater than 3sigma level of confidence. Using a fully relativistic line function in which the black hole spin parameter is a variable, we have formally constrained the spin parameter to be $0.52\pm0.11 (1\sigma)$. Furthermore, we show that the source in the low--hard state still requires an optically--thick disk component having a luminosity which is consistent with the $L\propto T^4$ relation expected for a thin disk extending down to the inner--most stable circular orbit. Our result is in contrast to the prevailing paradigm that the disk is truncated in the low-hard state.

Determining the spin of two stellar-mass black holes from disc reflection signatures

We present measurements of the dimensionless spin parameters and inner-disc inclination of two stellar-mass black holes. The spin parameter of SWIFT J1753.5−0127 and GRO J1655−40 is estimated by modelling the strong reflection signatures present in their XMM– Newton observations. Using a newly developed, self-consistent reflection model which includes the blackbody radiation of the disc as well as the effect of Comptonization, blurred with a relativistic line function, we infer the spin parameter of SWIFT J1753.5−0127 to be 0.76 +0.11 −0.15 . The inclination of this system is estimated at 55 ◦ +2 −7 . For GRO J1655−40, we find that the disc is significantly misaligned to the orbital plane, with an innermost inclination of 30 ◦+5 −10 . Allowing the inclination to be a free parameter, we find a lower limit for the spin of 0.90, this value increases to that of a maximal rotating black hole when the inclination is set to that of the orbital plane of J1655−40. Our technique is independent of the black hole mass and distance, uncertainties in which are among the main contributors to the spin uncertainty in previous works.

A systematic look at the very high and lowhard state of GX3394: constraining the black hole spin with a new reflection model

We present a systematic study of GX 339−4 in both its very high and low hard states from simultaneous observations made with XMM‐Newton and RXTE in 2002 and 2004. The X-ray spectra of both these extreme states exhibit strong reflection signatures, with a broad, skewed Fe Kα line clearly visible above the continuum. Using a newly developed, self-consistent reflection model which implicitly includes the blackbody radiation of the disc as well as the effect of Comptonization, blurred with a relativistic line function, we were able to infer the spin parameter of GX 339−4 to be 0.935 ± 0.01 (statistical) ±0.01 (systematic) at 90 per cent confidence. We find that both states are consistent with an ionized thin accretion disc extending to the innermost stable circular orbit around the rapidly spinning black hole.