Single Neutron Stars Research Articles

Hyperbolic relaxation method for elliptic equations

We show how the basic idea of parabolic Jacobi relaxation can be modified to obtain a new class of hyperbolic relaxation schemes that are suitable for the solution of elliptic equations. Some of the analytic and numerical properties of hyperbolic relaxation are examined. We describe its implementation as a first order system in a pseudospectral evolution code, demonstrating that certain elliptic equations can be solved within a framework for hyperbolic evolution systems. Applications include various initial data problems in numerical general relativity. In particular we generate initial data for the evolution of a massless scalar field, a single neutron star, and binary neutron star systems.

Toward the Measurement of the Mass of Isolated Neutron Stars: Prediction of Future Astrometric Microlensing Events by Pulsars

Abstract The mass of single neutron stars (NSs) can be measured using astrometric microlensing events. In such events, the center-of-light motion of a star lensed by an NS will deviate from the expected nonlensed motion and this deviation can be used to measure the mass of the NS. I search for future conjunctions between pulsars, with measured proper motion, and stars in the GAIA-DR2 catalog. I identify two candidate events of stars involving lensing by a foreground pulsar in which the estimated light deflection of the background star will deviate from the nonlensed motion by more than 10 μas. PSR J185635−375435 passed ≅4.″1 from a 19.4 G magnitude star on J2014.9 with an estimated deflection of 13 μas, while PSR J084606−353340 may pass ∼0.″2 from a 19.0 G magnitude star on J2022.9 with an estimated deflection of 91 μas. However, the proper motion of the second event is highly uncertain. Therefore, additional observations are required in order to verify this event. I briefly discuss the opposite case, in which a pulsar is being lensed by a star. Such events can be used to measure the stellar mass via pulsar timing measurements. I do not find good candidates for such events with predicted variations in the pulsar period derivative ( ), divided by 1 s, exceeding 10−20 s−1. Since only about 10% of the known pulsars have measured proper motions, there is potential for an increase in the number of predicted pulsar lensing events.

Neutron star kicks – II. Revision and further testing of the conservation of momentum ‘kick’ model

In Bray and Eldridge (2017), we proposed a simple neutron star kick formula, v kick = alpha (M ejecta / M remnant) + beta to explain the observed 2D velocities of young single neutron stars. Using this kick we found that there is no statistically significant preference for a kick orientation nor for any of the three initial mass function (IMF) slopes tested, and that populations including binary stars reproduced the kick distribution better than single star only populations. However, recent analysis by Janka (2017), prompted us to revisit our basic assumptions and our new analysis has led to revised best-fit kick values of alpha=100 km per second and beta = -170 km per second. The reduction of beta to a negative value is due to using the 2D observed kick velocity distribution rather than the modelled 3D velocity distribution for neutron stars (NS). To further test the validity of the new kick, we have created synthetic populations of runaway star and double neutron star (DNS) binaries at solar metallicity (Z=0.02) using our best-fit kick. We find our new kick values create runaway star velocities and DNS period distributions in agreement with the comparable observational distributions with only the DNS eccentricities in tension with the observations. From our DNS and BH-BH datasets we estimate a predicted DNS merger rate at solar metallicity of 3,864 (+1,570/-2,371) per cubic Gpc per yr and a BH-BH merger rate of 5 (+40/-1) per cubic Gpc per yr.

Effect of non-stationary accretion on spectral state transitions: An example of a persistent neutron star LMXB 4U1636–536

Observations of black hole and neutron star X-ray binaries show that the luminosity of the hard-to-soft state transition is usually higher than that of the soft-to-hard state transition, indicating additional parameters other than mass accretion rate are required to interpret spectral state transitions. It has been found in some individual black hole or neutron star soft X-ray transients that the luminosity corresponding to the hard-to-soft state transition is positively correlated with the peak luminosity of the following soft state. In this work, we report the discovery of the same correlation in the single persistent neutron star low mass X-ray binary (LMXB) 4U 1636–536 based on data from the All Sky Monitor (ASM) on board RXTE, the Gas Slit Camera (GSC) on board MAXI and the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) on board Swift. We also found such a positive correlation holds in this persistent neutron star LMXB in a luminosity range spanning about a factor of four. Our results indicate that non-stationary accretion also plays an important role in driving X-ray spectral state transitions in persistent accreting systems with small accretion flares, which is much less dramatic compared with the bright outbursts seen in many Galactic LMXB transients.

Did star smash-up birth a huge neutron star?

Yun-Wei Vu at Central China Normal University and Zi-Gao Dai at Nanjing University in China have modeled the kilonova explosion, which lasts weeks or months. They think there is a neutron star at the spot where the smash-up occurred. There are three main theories for what could be left behind when two neutron stars collide: a black hole, a single neutron star that only lasts for a few milliseconds and then collapses into a black hole, or a stable neutron star that sticks around longer. If it is the latter, it is the biggest they have ever seen. There may be clues in the kilonova. As the original neutron stars orbit each other in their death spiral, they can accelerate up to about a third of the speed of light, says Edo Berger at Harvard University.

Parameters of radio pulsars in binary systems and globular clusters

The parameters of radio pulsars in binary systems and globular clusters are investigated. It is shown that such pulsars tend to have short periods (of the order of several milliseconds). Themagnetic fields of most of the pulsars considered are weak (surface fields of the order of 108−109 G). This corresponds to the generally accepted view that short-period neutron stars are spun up by angular momentum associated with the stellar wind from a companion. However, the fields at the light cylinders in these objects are two to three orders of magnitude higher than for the main population of single neutron stars. The dependence of the pulse width on the period does not differ from the corresponding dependences for single pulsars, assuming the emission is generated inside the polar cap, at moderate distances from the surface or near the light cylinder. The radio luminosities of pulsars in binary systems do not show the correlation with the rate of loss of rotational energy that is characteristic for single pulsars, probably due to the influence of accreting matter from a companion. Moreover, accretion apparently decreases the power of the emergent radiation, and can explain the observed systematic excess of the radio luminosity of single pulsars compared to pulsars in binary systems. The distributions and dependences presented in the article support generally accepted concepts concerning the processes occurring in binary systems containing neutron stars.

ON THEr-PROCESS ENRICHMENT OF DWARF SPHEROIDAL GALAXIES

Recent observations of Reticulum II have uncovered an overabundance of r-process elements, compared to similar ultra-faint dwarf spheroidal galaxies (UFDs). Because the metallicity and star formation history of Reticulum II appear consistent with all known UFDs, the high r-process abundance of Reticulum II suggests enrichment through a single, rare event, such as a double neutron star (NS) merger. However, we note that this scenario is extremely unlikely, as binary stellar evolution models require significant supernova natal kicks to produce NS-NS or NS-black hole mergers, and these kicks would efficiently remove compact binary systems from the weak gravitational potentials of UFDs. We examine alternative mechanisms for the production of r-process elements in UFDs, including a novel mechanism wherein NSs in regions of high dark matter density implode after accumulating a black-hole-forming mass of dark matter. We find that r-process proto-material ejection by tidal forces, when a single neutron star implodes into a black hole, can occur at a rate matching the r-process abundance of both Reticulum II and the Milky Way. Remarkably, dark matter models which collapse a single neutron star in observed UFDs also solve the missing pulsar problem in the Milky Way Galactic center. We propose tests specific to dark matter r-process production which may uncover, or rule out, this model.

Neutron star kicks and their relationship to supernovae ejecta mass

We propose a simple model to explain the velocity of young neutron stars. We attempt to confirm a relationship between the amount of mass ejected in the formation of the neutron star and the `kick' velocity imparted to the compact remnant resulting from the process. We assume the velocity is given by $v_{\rm kick}=\alpha\,(M_{\rm ejecta} / M_{\rm remnant}) + \beta\,$. To test this simple relationship we use the BPASS (Binary Population and Spectral Synthesis) code to create stellar population models from both single and binary star evolutionary pathways. We then use our Remnant Ejecta and Progenitor Explosion Relationship (REAPER) code to apply different $\alpha$ and $\beta$ values and three different `kick' orientations then record the resulting velocity probability distributions. We find that while a single star population provides a poor fit to the observational data, the binary population provides an excellent fit. Values of $\alpha=70\, {\rm km\,s^{-1}}$ and $\beta=110\,{\rm km\,s^{-1}}$ reproduce the \cite{RN165} observed 2-dimensional velocities and $\alpha=70\, {\rm km\,s^{-1}}$ and $\beta=120\,{\rm km\,s^{-1}}$ reproduce their inferred 3-dimensional velocity distribution for nearby single neutron stars with ages less than 3 Myrs. After testing isotropic, spin-axis aligned and orthogonal to spin-axis `kick' orientations, we find no statistical preference for a `kick' orientation. While ejecta mass cannot be the only factor that determines the velocity of supernovae compact remnants, we suggest it is a significant contributor and that the ejecta based `kick' should replace the Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution currently used in many population synthesis codes.

FAST RADIO BURSTS: COLLISIONS BETWEEN NEUTRON STARS AND ASTEROIDS/COMETS

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are newly discovered radio transient sources. Their high dispersion measures indicate an extragalactic origin. But due to the lack of observational data in other wavelengths, their progenitors still remain unclear. Here we suggest the collisions between neutron stars and asteroids/comets as a promising mechanism for FRBs. During the impact process, a hot plasma fireball will form after the material of the small body penetrates into the neutron star surface. The ionized matter inside the fireball will then expand along the magnetic field lines. Coherent radiation from the thin shell at the top of the fireball will account for the observed FRBs. Our scenario can reasonably explain the main features of FRBs, such as their durations, luminosities, and the event rate. We argue that for a single neutron star, FRBs are not likely to happen repeatedly in a forseeable time span since such impacts are of low probability. We predict that faint remnant X-ray emissions should be associated with FRBs, but it may be too faint to be detected by detectors at work.

High energy signatures of quasi-spherical accretion onto rotating, magnetized neutron star in the ejector–accretor intermediate state

We consider a simple scenario for the accretion of matter onto a neutron star in order to understand processes in the inner pulsar magnetosphere during the transition stage between different accretion modes. A simple quasi-spherical accretion process onto rotating, magnetized compact object is analyzed in order to search for the radiative signatures which could appear during transition between ejecting and accreting modes. It is argued that different accretion modes can be present in a single neutron star along different magnetic field lines for specific range of parameters characterizing the pulsar (rotational period, surface magnetic field strength) and the density of surrounding medium. The radiation processes characteristic for the ejecting pulsar, i.e. curvature and synchrotron radiation produced by primary electrons in the pulsar outer gap, are expected to be modified by the presence of additional thermal radiation from the neutron star surface. We predict that during the transition from the pure ejector to the pure accretor mode (or vice versa) an intermediate accretion state can be distinguished which is characterized by the γ-ray spectra of pulsars truncated below ∼1 GeV due to the absorption of synchro/curvature spectrum produced in the pulsar gaps.

Numerical relativity in spherical polar coordinates: Off-center simulations

We have recently presented a new approach for numerical relativity simulations in spherical polar coordinates, both for vacuum and for relativistic hydrodynamics. Our approach is based on a reference-metric formulation of the BSSN equations, a factoring of all tensor components, as well as a partially implicit Runge-Kutta method, and does not rely on a regularization of the equations, nor does it make any assumptions about the symmetry across the origin. In order to demonstrate this feature we present here several off-centered simulations, including simulations of single black holes and neutron stars whose center is placed away from the origin of the coordinate system, as well as the asymmetric head-on collision of two black holes. We also revisit our implementation of relativistic hydrodynamics and demonstrate that a reference-metric formulation of hydrodynamics together with a factoring of all tensor components avoids problems related to the coordinate singularities at the origin and on the axes. As a particularly demanding test we present results for a shock wave propagating through the origin of the spherical polar coordinate system.

Implications of an anti-glitch in AXP/SGR

The recently observed antiglitch of AXP 1E 2259+586 is inconsistent with magnetar models, but may be explained as the consequence of sudden accretion of retrograde matter or "propeller" interaction with surrounding matter. AXP/SGR are explained as single neutron stars accompanied by fallback matter from their natal supernovae. Their phenomenology may be partly accretional and partly the result of dissipation of magnetic energy.

Constraints on the Equation-of-State of neutron stars from nearby neutron star observations

We try to constrain the Equation-of-State (EoS) of supra-nuclear-density matter in neutron stars (NSs) by observations of nearby NSs. There are seven thermally emitting NSs known from X-ray and optical observations, the so-called Magnificent Seven (M7), which are young (up to few Myrs), nearby (within a few hundred pc), and radio-quiet with blackbody-like X-ray spectra, so that we can observe their surfaces. As bright X-ray sources, we can determine their rotational (pulse) period and their period derivative from X-ray timing. From XMM and/or Chandra X-ray spectra, we can determine their temperature. With precise astrometric observations using the Hubble Space Telescope, we can determine their parallax (i.e. distance) and optical flux. From flux, distance, and temperature, one can derive the emitting area - with assumptions about the atmosphere and/or temperature distribution on the surface. This was recently done by us for the two brightest M7 NSs RXJ1856 and RXJ0720. Then, from identifying absorption lines in X-ray spectra, one can also try to determine gravitational redshift. Also, from rotational phase-resolved spectroscopy, we have for the first time determined the compactness (mass/radius) of the M7 NS RBS1223. If also applied to RXJ1856, radius (from luminosity and temperature) and compactness (from X-ray data) will yield the mass and radius - for the first time for an isolated single neutron star. We will present our observations and recent results.

Do magnetars really exist?

We perform a comparative analysis of the properties of isolated single neutron stars and show the absence of any single typical feature providing unambiguous evidence that they belong to the classes of AXPs or SGRs. Several objects with features intermediate between AXPs and radio transients (RRATs) have been discovered recently: radio pulsars with high magnetic fields, radio-emitting AXPs, etc. Assuming the existence of fields of 1016 G in the stellar interiors cannot explain the giant gamma-ray outbursts of SGRs. It appears necessary to invoke other energy sources, such as nuclear reactions in the matter that breaks through the crust of the neutron star. For the recently discovered AXP PSR J1642-4950, we find that the angle β between its spin axis and magnetic moment is 15.6°. This agrees with earlier estimates for the AXPs J1810-197 and 1E 1547.0-5408, which have β < 10°. The similarity of these objects to aligned rotators enables a description using the drift model. This model yields a rotational period for PSR J1642-4950 of P = 0.32 s, amagnetic field in the radiation generation region of B = 950 G, and a surfacemagnetic field ofB s = 3.39×1012 G. It is shown that the cyclotron instability in the neighbourhood proximity of the light cylinder, associated with particles in the tail of the secondary-plasma distribution, can explain the generation of the radio emission of PSR J1642-4950, which should be observed predominantly at low frequencies (∼100 MHz).

Fermi Detection of a Luminous γ-Ray Pulsar in a Globular Cluster

We report on the Fermi Large Area Telescope's detection of γ-ray (>100 mega-electron volts) pulsations from pulsar J1823-3021A in the globular cluster NGC 6624 with high significance (~7 σ). Its γ-ray luminosity, L(γ) = (8.4 ± 1.6) × 10(34) ergs per second, is the highest observed for any millisecond pulsar (MSP) to date, and it accounts for most of the cluster emission. The nondetection of the cluster in the off-pulse phase implies that it contains <32 γ-ray MSPs, not ~100 as previously estimated. The γ-ray luminosity indicates that the unusually large rate of change of its period is caused by its intrinsic spin-down. This implies that J1823-3021A has the largest magnetic field and is the youngest MSP ever detected and that such anomalous objects might be forming at rates comparable to those of the more normal MSPs.

Modeling of spectral features in the dynamic spectra of neutron stars

Modeling of atomic and cyclotron lines in the emergent spectra of rotating neutron stars with various distributions of temperature over the star surface is carried out. General and special relativity effects are taken into account in the radiation transfer calculations. A novel method of analysis based on the Fourier series expansion of the observed spectra over rotation frequencies is proposed. It is shown that the mutual influence of the gravitational bending of light rays and rotation of the star leads to the formation of strong features (sometimes several features at once) in the Fourier-harmonic spectrum, whereas these features remain almost invisible in both the integrated and dynamic spectra. Possible application of the obtained results to the interpretation of absorption features in the spectrum of the single neutron star 1E 1207.4 − 5209 is discussed.

Numerical relativity simulations of binary neutron stars

We present a new numerical relativity code designed for simulations of compact binaries involving matter. The code is an upgrade of the BAM code to include general relativistic hydrodynamics and implements state-of-the-art high-resolution-shock-capturing schemes on a hierarchy of mesh refined Cartesian grids with moving boxes. We test and validate the code in a series of standard experiments involving single neutron star spacetimes. We present test evolutions of quasiequilibrium equal-mass irrotational binary neutron star configurations in quasicircular orbits which describe the late inspiral to merger phases. Neutron star matter is modeled as a zero-temperature fluid; thermal effects can be included by means of a simple ideal gas prescription. We analyze the impact that the use of different values of damping parameter in the Gamma-driver shift condition has on the dynamics of the system. The use of different reconstruction schemes and their impact in the post-merger dynamics is investigated. We compute and characterize the gravitational radiation emitted by the system. Self-convergence of the waves is tested, and we consistently estimate error bars on the numerically generated waveforms in the inspiral phase.

Evolution of a buried magnetic field in the central compact object neutron stars

The central compact objects are a newly-emerging class of young neutron stars near the centre of supernova remnants. From X-ray timing and spectral measurements, their magnetic fields are determined to be ~ 10^10-10^11 G, which is significantly lower than that found on most pulsars. Using the latest electrical and thermal conductivity calculations, we solve the induction equation to determine the evolution of a buried crustal or core magnetic field. We apply this model of a buried field to explain the youth and low observed magnetic field of the central compact objects. We obtain constraints on their birth magnetic field and depth of submergence (or accreted mass). Measurement of a change in the observed magnetic field strength would discriminate between the crustal and core fields and could yield uniquely the birth magnetic field and submergence depth. If we consider the central compact objects as a single neutron star viewed at different epochs, then we constrain the magnetic field at birth to be ~ (6-9)x10^11 G. A buried magnetic field can also explain their location in an underpopulated region of the spin period-period derivative plane for pulsars.

A new globular cluster black hole in NGC 4472

We discuss CXOU 1229410+075744, a new black hole candidate in a globular cluster in the elliptical galaxy NGC 4472. By comparing two Chandra observations of the galaxy, we find a source that varies by at least a factor of 4, and has a peak luminosity of at least 2 × 1039 erg s−1. As such, the source varies by significantly more than the Eddington luminosity for a single neutron star, and is a strong candidate for being a globular cluster black hole. The source's X-ray spectrum also evolves in a manner consistent with what would be expected from a single accreting stellar mass black hole. We consider the properties of the host cluster of this source and the six other strong black hole X-ray binary candidates, and find that there is suggestive evidence that black hole X-ray binary formation is favoured in bright and metal-rich clusters, just as is the case for bright X-ray sources in general.

Pulsar spin-velocity alignment from single and binary neutron star progenitors

The role of binary progenitors of neutron stars (NSs) in the apparent distribution of space velocities and spin-velocity alignment observed in young pulsars is studied. We performed a Monte Carlo synthesis of pulsar populations originated from single and binary stars with different assumptions about the NS natal kick (kick―spin alignment, kick amplitude and kick reduction in electron-capture supernovae in binary progenitors with initial main-sequence masses from the range 8-11 M ⊙ which experienced mass exchange due to Roche lobe overflow). The calculated spin-velocity alignment in pulsars is compared with data inferred from radio polarization measurements. The observed space velocity of pulsars is found to be mostly affected by the natal kick velocity form and its amplitude; the fraction of binaries is not important here for reasonably large kicks. The natal kick―spin alignment is found to strongly affect the spin-velocity correlation of pulsars. Comparison with the observed pulsar spin―velocity angles favours a sizeable fraction of binary progenitors and kick-spin angles ∼5°―20°.