Spectral State Research Articles

Follow-up Observations of the Prolonged, Super-Eddington, Tidal Disruption Event Candidate 3XMM J150052.0+015452: the Slow Decline Continues

Abstract The X-ray source 3XMM J150052.0+015452 was discovered as a spectacular tidal disruption event candidate during a prolonged (>11 yr) outburst. It exhibited unique quasi-soft X-ray spectra of characteristic temperature kT ∼ 0.3 keV for several years at the peak, but in a recent Chandra observation (10 yr into the outburst) a super-soft X-ray spectrum of kT ∼ 0.15 keV was detected. Such dramatic spectral softening could signal the transition from the super-Eddington to thermal state or the temporary presence of a warm absorber. Here we report on our study of four new XMM-Newton follow-up observations of the source. We found that they all showed super-soft spectra, suggesting that the source had remained super-soft for >5 yr. Then its spectral change is best explained as due to the super-Eddington to thermal spectral state transition. The fits to the thermal-state spectra suggested a smaller absorption toward the source than that obtained in Lin et al. This led us to update the modeling of the event as due to the disruption of a 0.75 M ⊙ star by a massive black hole of a few × 105 M ⊙. We also obtained two HST images in the F606W and F814W filters and found that the dwarf star-forming host galaxy can be resolved into a dominant disk and a smaller bulge. No central point source was clearly seen in either filter, ruling out strong optical emission associated with the X-ray activity.

XMM–Newton detection of soft time lags in the TDE candidate AT 2018fyk

ABSTRACT In this letter, we report a tentative detection of soft time lags (i.e. variability of softer photons lags behind the variability of harder photons) in one XMM–Newton observation of the tidal disruption event (TDE) candidate AT 2018fyk while the source was in the hard spectral state. The lags are detected at $6.51\times 10^{-5}~\rm Hz$. The amplitude of the lags with respect to 0.5 − 1 keV monotonically decreases with the photon energy, from $\sim 1200~\rm s$ at 0.3 − 0.5 keV to $\sim -4200~\rm s$ at 3 − 5 keV (in our convention, a positive lag means lagging behind the reference band). We find that the amplitude is proportional to the logarithm of the energy separation between the examined band and the reference band. The energy-dependent covariance spectrum indicates that the correlated variability is more likely to be associated with the non-thermal radiation. The soft lags are difficult to reconcile with the reverberation scenario that are used to explain the soft lags in active galactic nuclei. On the other hand, the observed soft lags are consistent with the picture that the soft X-rays are down-scattered hard X-rays by the outflow as predicted by ‘unification’ models of TDEs.

Parameter identification of reduced-order electrochemical model simplified by spectral methods and state estimation based on square-root cubature Kalman filter

With the in-depth study of electrochemical models, the use of reduced-order electrochemical models on battery management systems becomes a possible future trend. In this paper, a two-step parameter identification method and the square-root cubature Kalman filter are employed. The pseudo-spectral method is used to solve the solid-phase diffusion equation, while the liquid-phase concentration equation is simplified by the Galerkin method. The reduced-order model maintains high accuracy while significantly reducing computational burden, the computation of a discharge voltage is within 1.5 s, which makes it possible to use the model for parameter identification and real-time state estimation. Next, the ant lion optimizer is applied to identify 21 parameters in the electrochemical model and 4 parameters in the thermal model respectively. Identification and validation results in constant current discharge and several dynamic tests demonstrate the high accuracy of the reduced-order model. Finally, the square-root cubature Kalman filter based on the identified parameters is developed to estimate the state of charge and temperature. The states are initialized with certain errors in two dynamic tests to verify the performance of the algorithm. The results show that the designed state observer has good convergence, robustness, and accuracy.

Clues on jet behavior from simultaneous radio-X-ray fits of GX 339-4

Understanding the mechanisms of accretion-ejection during X-ray binary (XrB) outbursts has been a problem for several decades. For instance, it is still not clear what controls the spectral evolution of these objects from the hard to the soft states and then back to the hard states at the end of the outburst, tracing the well-known hysteresis cycle in the hardness-intensity diagram. Moreover, the link between the spectral states and the presence or absence of radio emission is still highly debated. In a series of papers we developed a model composed of a truncated outer standard accretion disk (SAD, from the solution of Shakura and Sunyaev) and an inner jet emitting disk (JED). In this paradigm, the JED plays the role of the hot corona while simultaneously explaining the presence of a radio jet. Our goal is to apply for the first time direct fitting procedures of the JED-SAD model to the hard states of four outbursts of GX 339-4 observed during the 2000–2010 decade by RXTE, combined with simultaneous or quasi simultaneous ATCA observations. We built JED-SAD model tables usable in XSPEC, as well as a reflection model table based on the XILLVER model of XSPEC. We applied our model to the 452 hard state observations obtained with RXTE/PCA. We were able to correctly fit the X-ray spectra and simultaneously reproduce the radio flux with an accuracy better than 15%. We show that the functional dependency of the radio emission on the model parameters (mainly the accretion rate and the transition radius between the JED and the SAD) is similar for all the rising phases of the different outbursts of GX 339-4, but it is significantly different from the functional dependency obtained in the decaying phases. This result strongly suggests a change in the radiative and/or dynamical properties of the ejection between the beginning and the end of the outburst. We discuss possible scenarios that could explain these differences.

Tracking the evolution of the accretion flow in MAXI J1820+070 during its hard state with the JED-SAD model

Context. X-ray binaries in outburst typically show two canonical X-ray spectral states (i.e., hard and soft states), as well as different intermediate states, in which the physical properties of the accretion flow are known to change. However, the truncation of the optically thick disk and the geometry of the optically thin accretion flow (corona) in the hard state are still debated. Recently, the JED-SAD paradigm has been proposed for black hole X-ray binaries, aimed at addressing the topic of accretion and ejection and their interplay in these systems. According to this model, the accretion flow is composed of an outer standard Shakura-Sunyaev disk (SAD) and an inner hot jet emitting disk (JED). The JED produces both hard X-ray emission, effectively playing the role of the hot corona, and radio jets. The disruption of the JED at the transition to the soft state coincides with the quenching of the jet. Aims. In this paper we use the JED-SAD model to describe the evolution of the accretion flow in the black hole transient MAXI J1820+070 during its hard and hard-intermediate states. Unlike the previous applications of this model, the Compton reflection component has been taken into account. Methods. We use eight broadband X-ray spectra, including NuSTAR, NICER, and the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory data, providing a total spectral coverage of 0.8–190 keV. The data were directly fitted with the JED-SAD model. We performed the procedure twice, considering two different values for the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO): 4 RG (a* = 0.55) and 2 RG (a* = 0.95). Results. Our results suggest that the optically thick disk (the SAD) does not extend down to the ISCO in any of the considered epochs. In particular, assuming RISCO = 4 RG, as the system evolves toward the transitional hard-intermediate state, we find an inner radius within a range of ∼60 RG in the first observation down to ∼30 RG in the last one. The decrease of the inner edge of the SAD is accompanied by an increase in the mass-accretion rate. However, when we assume RISCO = 2 we find that the mass accretion rate remains constant and the evolution of the accretion flow is driven by the decrease in the sonic Mach number mS, which is unexpected. In all hard–intermediate state observations, two reflection components, characterized by different values of ionization, are required to adequately explain the data. These components likely originate from different regions of the SAD. Conclusions. The analysis performed provides a coherent physical evolution of the accretion flow in the hard and hard-intermediate states and supports a truncated disk scenario. We show that a flared outer disk could, in principle, explain the double reflection component. The odd results obtained for RISCO = 2 RG can also be considered as further evidence that MAXI J1820+070 harbors a moderately spinning black hole, as suggested in other works.

Spectrally resolved cosmic rays – II. Momentum-dependent cosmic ray diffusion drives powerful galactic winds

ABSTRACT Cosmic ray (CR) feedback has been identified as a critical process in galaxy formation. Most previous simulations have integrated out the energy dependence of the CR distribution, despite its large extent over more than 12 decades in particle energy. To improve upon this simplification, we present the implementation and first application of spectrally resolved CRs, which are coupled to the magnetohydrodynamics in simulations of galaxy formation. The spectral model for the CRs enables more accurate CR cooling and allows for an energy-dependent spatial diffusion, for which we introduce a new stable numerical algorithm that proves to be essential in highly dynamical systems. We perform galaxy formation simulations with this new model and compare the results to a grey CR approach with a simplified diffusive transport and effective cooling that assumes steady-state spectra. We find that the galaxies with spectrally resolved CRs differ in morphology, star formation rate, and strength and structure of the outflows. The first outflow front is driven by CRs with average momenta of $\sim 200-600\, \mathrm{GeV}~c^{-1}$. The subsequent formation of outflows, which reach mass loading factors of order unity, are primarily launched by CRs of progressively smaller average momenta of $\sim 8-15\, \mathrm{GeV}~c^{-1}$. The CR spectra in the galactic centre quickly approach a steady state, with small temporal variations. In the outer disc and outflow regions, the spectral shape approaches steady state only after $\sim 2\, \mathrm{Gyr}$ of evolution. Furthermore, the shapes of the approximate steady-state spectra differ for individual regions of the galaxy, which highlights the importance of actively including the full CR spectrum.

A temporal scale to track the spectral transitions in low-mass X-ray binaries

ABSTRACT The results of a temporal analysis of observations for a sample of nine low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) are presented. Of these sources, five host a neutron star (NS) primary (4U1608−52, Aql X-1, 4U1705−44, GX17+2-, and Cyg X-2), and four host a black hole (BH) (GX339-4, XTE J1859+226, H1743−322, and MAXI J1659−152). The NS group includes three Atolls and two Z-type sources. We utilized archival Proportional Counter Array (PCA)/RXTE data to construct high-resolution light-curves. A wavelet transform of the light curves is deployed to extract a minimal time-scale (MTS) associated with the spectral state of the sources. The MTS, together with the fractional root-mean-square (rms) and hardness ratios, is used to construct RMS–MTS and hardness–MTS diagrams that enable a direct comparison of the evolution of spectral transitions in the target sources. Observations with high fractional rms and high hardness cluster in a broad region occupied jointly by BH and NS sources. For low fractional rms observations, the Atolls exhibit large MTS whereas Z-type sources exhibit small MTS. This new feature raises the possibility of discriminating between these two types of sources. Moreover, in the hardness–MTS plane, BH sources are the sole occupiers of the low-hardness and small-MTS domain thus potentially signalling a unique property for distinguishing BH and NS hosts in LMXBs.

Spectral States of OJ 287 blazar from Multiwavelength Observations with AstroSat

ABSTRACT We present AstroSat soft X-ray, near-UV (NUV), and far-UV (FUV) observations of a blazar, OJ 287, carried out in 2017, 2018, and 2020. The simultaneous observations with NuSTAR in 2017 provide a broad-band look encompassing NUV, FUV, soft, and hard X-rays. Captured in three different broad-band spectral states in three observations, the X-ray spectrum is found to be the hardest during 2018, while the high-energy-end of the simultaneous optical-FUV spectrum shows a steepening that is modelled with a broken power-law spectrum. The spectral energy distribution (SED) in 2017 shows a relatively flatter optical-FUV and soft X-ray spectra, implying an additional emission component. The 2020 optical-FUV spectrum is harder than in 2017 and 2018, with an extremely soft X-ray spectrum and a hardening above ∼1 GeV, similar to the SEDs of High-energy-peaked BL Lac objects (HBL), thereby establishing that this additional emission component has HBL-like properties. The AstroSat multiwavelength observations trace the spectral evolution from the end-phase of the HBL component in 2017 to its disappearance in 2018 followed by its revival in 2020. A single zone leptonic model reproduces the 2018 broad-band spectrum, while the 2017 and 2020 SEDs require an additional HBL-like emitting zone. The spectral evolution of the high-energy-end of optical-UV spectrum, revealed by the FUV observations in 2017 and 2018, strongly suggests that X-ray spectral changes in the normal broad-band spectral state of OJ 287 are primarily due to the evolution of the optical-UV synchrotron spectrum.

Broad-band spectral study of LMXB black hole candidate 4U 1957+11 with NuSTAR

We present here the results of broadband spectral analysis of a low-mass X-ray binary and a black hole candidate 4U 1957+11. The source was observed nine times with the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) between September 2018 and November 2019. During these observations, the spectral state of 4U 1957+11 evolved marginally. The disc dominant spectra are described well with a hot, multicolor disc blackbody with disc temperature varying in the range kT in ∼ 1.35–1.86 keV and a non-thermal component having a steep slope (Γ = 2–3). A broad Fe emission line feature (5–8 keV) was observed in the spectra of all the observations. The relativistic disc model was used to study the effect of distance, inclination and the black hole mass on its spin. Simulations indicate a higher spin for smaller distances and lower black hole masses. At smaller distances and higher masses, spin is maximum and almost independent of the distance. An inverse correlation exists between the spin and the spectral hardening factor for all the cases. The system prefers a moderate spin of about 0.85 for black hole masses between 4–6 M ⊙ for a 7 kpc distance.

Blazar OJ 287 after First VHE Activity: Tracking the Reemergence of the HBL-like Component in 2020

Abstract We report the reemergence of a new broadband emission through a detailed and systematic study of the multiwavelength spectral and temporal behavior of OJ 287 after its first-ever reported very high energy activity in 2017 to date, which includes the second-highest X-ray flux of the source. The source shows high optical to X-ray flux variations, accompanied mainly by strong spectral changes. The optical to X-ray flux variations are correlated and simultaneous except for two durations when they are anticorrelated. The flux variations, however, are anticorrelated with the X-ray spectral state while correlated with optical–UV (ultraviolet). Weekly binned Fermi-LAT data around the duration of the highest X-ray activity show a few detections with a log-parabola model but none with a power law, yet the extracted LAT spectral energy distribution of the high-activity duration for both the models is similar and shows a hardening above 1 GeV. Further, near-infrared data indicate strong spectral change, resembling a thermal component. Overall, the combined optical to gamma-ray broadband spectrum establishes the observed variations to a new high-energy-peaked broadband emission component, similar to the one seen during the highest reported X-ray flux state of the source in 2017. The observed activities indicate some peculiar features that seem to be characteristic of this emission component, while its appearance a few years around the claimed ∼12 yr optical outbursts strongly indicates a connection between the two.

Spectral Signature of Mass Outflow in the Two Component Advective Flow Paradigm

Abstract Outflows are common in many astrophysical systems. In the Two Component Advective Flow (TCAF) paradigm, which is essentially a generalized Bondi flow including rotation, viscosity, and cooling effects, the outflow originates in the hot, puffed up, post-shock region at the inner edge of the accretion disk. We consider this region to be the base of the jet carrying away matter with a high velocity. In this paper, we study the spectral properties of black holes using TCAF that includes also a jet (JeTCAF) in the vertical direction of the disk plane. Soft photons from the Keplerian disk are up-scattered by the post-shock region as well as by the base of the jet and are emitted as hard radiation. We also include the bulk motion Comptonization effect by the diverging flow of the jet. Our self-consistent accretion-ejection solution shows how the spectrum from the base of the jet varies with accretion rates, geometry of the flow, and the collimation factor of the jet. We apply the solution to a jetted candidate GS 1354-64 to estimate its mass outflow rate and the geometric configuration of the flow during the 2015 outburst observed by NuSTAR. The estimated mass outflow to mass inflow rate is 0.12 − 0.03 + 0.02 . From the model-fitted accretion rates, shock compression ratio, and the energy spectral index, we identify the presence of hard and intermediate spectral states of the outburst. Our model-fitted jet collimation factor (f col) is found to be 0.47 − 0.09 + 0.09 .

Discovery of a recurrent spectral evolutionary cycle in the ultra-luminous X-ray sources Holmberg II X–1 and NGC 5204 X–1

Context. Most ultra-luminous X-ray sources (ULXs) are now thought to be powered by stellar-mass compact objects accreting at super-Eddington rates. While the discovery of evolutionary cycles have marked a breakthrough in our understanding of the accretion flow changes in the sub-Eddington regime in Galactic black hole binaries, their evidence in the super-Eddington regime has so far remained elusive. However, recent circumstantial evidence hinted at the presence of a recurrent evolutionary cycle in two archetypal ULXs: Holmberg II X–1 and NGC 5204 X–1. Aims. We aim to build on our previous work and exploit the long-term high-cadence monitoring of Swift-XRT in order to provide robust evidence of the evolutionary cycle in these two sources and investigate the main physical parameters inducing their spectral transitions. Methods. We studied the long-term evolution of both sources using hardness-intensity diagrams (HID) and by means of Lomb–Scargle periodograms and Gaussian process modelling to look for periodic variability. We also applied a physically motivated model to the combined Chandra, XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, and Swift-XRT data of each of the source spectral states. Results. We robustly show that both sources follow a clear and recurrent evolutionary pattern in the HID that can be characterised by the hard ultra-luminous (HUL) and soft ultra-luminous (SUL) spectral regimes, and a third state with characteristics similar to the super-soft ultra-luminous (SSUL) state. The transitions between the soft states seem consistent with aperiodic variability, as revealed by a timing analysis of the light curve of Holmberg II X–1; albeit, further investigation is warranted. The light curve of NGC 5204 X–1 shows a stable periodicity on a longer baseline of ∼200 days, possibly associated with the duration of the evolutionary cycle. Conclusions. The similarities between both sources provide strong evidence of both systems hosting the same type of accretor and/or accretion flow geometry. We support a scenario in which the spectral changes from HUL to SUL are due to a periodic increase of the mass-transfer rate and subsequent narrowing of the opening angle of the super-critical funnel. The narrower funnel, combined with stochastic variability imprinted by the wind, might explain the rapid and aperiodic variability responsible for the SUL–SSUL spectral changes. The nature of the longer periodicity of NGC 5204 X–1 remains unclear, and robust determination of the orbital period of these sources could shed light on the nature of the periodic modulation found. Based on the similarities between the two sources, a long periodicity should be detectable in Holmberg II X–1 with future monitoring.

Radiation GRMHD Simulations of the Hard State of Black Hole X-Ray Binaries and the Collapse of a Hot Accretion Flow

Abstract We present global radiation GRMHD simulations of strongly magnetized accretion onto a spinning, stellar mass black hole at sub-Eddington rates. Using a frequency-dependent Monte Carlo procedure for Compton scattering, we self-consistently evolve a two-temperature description of the ion–electron fluid and its radiation field. For an Eddington ratio L/L Edd ≳ 10−3, the emergent spectrum forms an apparent power-law shape from thermal Comptonization up to a cutoff at ≃100 keV, characteristic of that seen in the hard spectral states of black hole X-ray binary systems. At these luminosities, the radiative efficiency is high (≈24%) and results in a denser midplane region where magnetic fields are dynamically important. For L/L Edd ∼ 10−2, our hot accretion flow appears to undergo thermal runaway and collapse. Our simulations demonstrate that hot accretion flows can be radiatively efficient and provide an estimate of their maximum luminosity.

Improvement of Spectral Displacement-Based Damage State Criteria of Existing Low-Rise, Piloti-Type Buildings

Improvement of Spectral Displacement-Based Damage State Criteria of Existing Low-Rise, Piloti-Type Buildings

The Chameleon on the branches: spectral state transition and dips in NGC 247 ULX-1

ABSTRACT Soft Ultra-Luminous X-ray (ULXs) sources are a subclass of the ULXs that can switch from a supersoft spectral state, where most of the luminosity is emitted below 1 keV, to a soft spectral state with significant emission above 1 keV. In a few systems, dips have been observed. The mechanism behind this state transition and the dips nature are still debated. To investigate these issues, we obtained a long XMM–Newton monitoring campaign of a member of this class, NGC 247 ULX-1. We computed the hardness–intensity diagram for the whole data set and identified two different branches: the normal branch and the dipping branch, which we study with four and three hardness–intensity resolved spectra, respectively. All seven spectra are well described by two thermal components: a colder (kTbb ∼ 0.1–0.2 keV) blackbody, interpreted as emission from the photosphere of a radiatively driven wind, and a hotter (kTdisc ∼ 0.6 keV) multicolour disc blackbody, likely due to reprocessing of radiation emitted from the innermost regions. In addition, a complex pattern of emission and absorption lines has been taken into account based on previous high-resolution spectroscopic results. We studied the evolution of spectral parameters and flux of the two thermal components along the two branches and discuss two scenarios possibly connecting the state transition and the dipping phenomenon. One is based on geometrical occultation of the emitting regions, the other invokes the onset of a propeller effect.

Outflows in the radio-intermediate quasar III Zw 2: a polarization study with the EVLA and uGMRT

ABSTRACT We present results from a polarization study of the radio-intermediate quasar, III Zw 2, at a redshift of 0.089, with the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) at 685 MHz and the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) at 5 and 34 GHz. We detect a kpc-scale outflow, exhibiting transverse magnetic (B-) fields. The curved jet terminates in a bow-shock-like radio structure with inferred B-fields aligned with the lobe edges. We suggest that the radio outflow in III Zw 2 is a combination of a collimated jet along with a wind-like component. This ‘wind’ component could be a magnetized accretion disc wind or the outer layers of a broadened jet or a combination of both. The current data cannot differentiate between these possibilities. We also detect kpc-scale lobe emission that is misaligned with the primary lobes in the uGMRT images. The spectral indices and the electron lifetimes in the misaligned lobe are similar to the primary lobe, suggesting that the misaligned lobe is not a relic. We propose that changing spectral states of the accretion disc, and the subsequent intermittent behaviour of the outflow, along with the close interplay between the jet and ‘wind’ could explain the radio-intermediate nature of III Zw 2. Our study shows that radio-intermediate quasars are promising sources for understanding the role of jets and winds in galaxy evolution and demonstrates the power of radio polarization studies towards achieving this.

Toward asleep DBS: cortico-basal ganglia spectral and coherence activity during interleaved propofol/ketamine sedation mimics NREM/REM sleep activity

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is currently a standard procedure for advanced Parkinson’s disease. Many centers employ awake physiological navigation and stimulation assessment to optimize DBS localization and outcome. To enable DBS under sedation, asleep DBS, we characterized the cortico-basal ganglia neuronal network of two nonhuman primates under propofol, ketamine, and interleaved propofol-ketamine (IPK) sedation. Further, we compared these sedation states in the healthy and Parkinsonian condition to those of healthy sleep. Ketamine increases high-frequency power and synchronization while propofol increases low-frequency power and synchronization in polysomnography and neuronal activity recordings. Thus, ketamine does not mask the low-frequency oscillations used for physiological navigation toward the basal ganglia DBS targets. The brain spectral state under ketamine and propofol mimicked rapid eye movement (REM) and Non-REM (NREM) sleep activity, respectively, and the IPK protocol resembles the NREM-REM sleep cycle. These promising results are a meaningful step toward asleep DBS with nondistorted physiological navigation.

Power spectral properties of the soft spectral states in four black hole transients

The X-ray variability in the soft X-ray spectral state of black hole binaries is primarily characterized by a power-law noise (PLN), which is thought to originate from the propagation of the modulation in the mass accretion rate of a standard accretion disk flow. Such a PLN has also been revealed in the disk spectral component in the hard and the intermediate states in several black hole binaries. Here we present an investigation of the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) observations of four black hole transients in which soft spectral states were observed twenty times or more. We show that in the soft spectral state, the PLN index varied in a large range between –1.64 and –0.62, and the fractional rms variability calculated in the 0.01 – 20 Hz frequency range reached as large as 7.67% and as low as 0.83%. Remarkably, we have found evidence of an inclination dependence of the maximal fractional rms variability, the averaged fractional rms variability and the fractional rms variability of the median in the sample based on current knowledge of inclination of black hole binaries. An inclination dependence has only been predicted in early magnetohydrodynamic simulations of isothermal disks limited to a high-frequency regime. In theory, the noise index is related to the physics of inward propagation of disk fluctuations, while the fractional rms amplitude reflects the intrinsic properties of the magnetohydrodynamic nature of the accretion flow. Our results therefore suggest that X-ray variability in the soft state can be used to put constraints on the properties of the accretion flow as well as the inclination of the accretion disk.

AstroSat observation of non-resonant type-C QPOs in MAXI J1535-571

Galactic transient black hole candidate (BHC) MAXI J1535-571 was discovered on 2017 September 02 simultaneously by {\it MAXI}/GSC and {\it Swift}/BAT instruments. It has also been observed by India's first multi-wavelength astronomy-mission satellite {\it AstroSat}, during the rising phase of its 2017-18 outburst. We make both the spectral and the temporal analysis of the source during 2017 September 12-17 using data of {\it AstroSat}'s Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) in the energy range of $3-40$~keV to infer the accretion flow properties of the source. Spectral analysis is done with the physical two-component advective flow (TCAF) solution-based {\it fits} file. From the nature of the variation of the TCAF model fitted physical flow parameters, we conclude and confirm that the source was in the intermediate spectral state during our analysis period. We observe sharp type-C quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in the frequency range of $\sim 1.75-2.81$~Hz. For a better understanding of the nature and evolution of these type-C QPOs, a dynamic study of the power density spectra is done. We also investigate the origin of these QPOs from the shock oscillation model. We find that non-satisfaction of Rankine-Hugoniot conditions for non-dissipative shocks and not their resonance oscillations is the cause of the observed type-C QPOs.

The evolving radio jet from the neutron star X-ray binary 4U 1820−30

ABSTRACT The persistently bright ultracompact neutron star low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1820−30 displays an ∼170 d accretion cycle, evolving between phases of high and low X-ray modes, where the 3–10 keV X-ray flux changes by a factor of up to ≈8. The source is generally in a soft X-ray spectral state, but may transition to a harder state in the low X-ray mode. Here, we present new and archival radio observations of 4U 1820−30 during its high and low X-ray modes. For radio observations taken within a low mode, we observed a flat radio spectrum consistent with 4U 1820−30 launching a compact radio jet. However, during the high X-ray modes the compact jet was quenched and the radio spectrum was steep, consistent with optically thin synchrotron emission. The jet emission appeared to transition at an X-ray luminosity of $L_{\rm X (3-10\, keV)} \sim 3.5 \times 10^{37} (D/\rm {7.6\, kpc})^{2}$ erg s−1. We also find that the low-state radio spectrum appeared consistent regardless of X-ray hardness, implying a connection between jet quenching and mass accretion rate in 4U 1820−30, possibly related to the properties of the inner accretion disc or boundary layer.