Differences between the two anomalous X-ray pulsars: variations in the spin-down rate of 1E 1048.1−5937 and an extended interval of quiet spin-down in 1E 2259+586

We analysed the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer ( RXTE ) archival data of 1E 1048.1−5937 covering a time-span of more than one year. The spin-down rate of this source decreases by ∼30 per cent during the observation. We could not resolve the X-ray flux variations because of contamination by eta Carinae. We find that the level of pulse frequency fluctuations of 1E 1048.1−5937 is consistent with typical noise levels of accretion-powered pulsars . Recent RXTE observations of 1E 2259+586 have shown a constant spin-down with a very low upper limit on timing noise. We used the RXTE archival X-ray observations of 1E 2259+586 to show that the intrinsic X-ray luminosity times-series is also stable, with an rms fractional variation of less than 15 per cent. The source could have been in a quiet phase of accretion with a constant X-ray luminosity and spin-down rate.     

New limits on the orbital parameters of 1E 1048.1–5937 and 1E 2259+586 from RXTE observations

We report on two Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer ( RXTE ) observations of the anomalous X-ray pulsars 1E 1048.1–5937 and 1E 2259+586. Both sources have continued their almost constant spin-down during 1995/96. We carried out a search for orbital Doppler shifts, in their observed spin frequencies, deriving stringent limits on the projected semi-axis. Unless these systems have unlikely small inclinations, main-sequence companions can be excluded. If 1E 1048.1–5937 and 1E 2259+586 are indeed binary systems, their companion stars must be either white dwarfs, or helium-burning stars with M ≲ 0.8 M⊙, possibly underfilling their Roche lobe.     

Quark-nova remnants: application to RRATs

This is the third paper of a series of papers where we explore the evolution of iron-rich ejecta from quark-novae. In the first paper, we explored the case where a quark-nova ejecta forms a degenerate shell, supported by the star's magnetic field, with applications to SGRs. In the second paper, we considered the case where the ejecta would have sufficient angular momentum to form a degenerate Keplerian torus and applied such a system to two AXPs, namely 1E2259+586 and 4U0142+615. Here, we explore the late evolution of the degenerate torus and find that it can remain unchanged for  ∼10⁶ yr  before it becomes non-degenerate. This transition from a degenerate torus (accretion-dominated) to a non-degenerate disc (no accretion) occurs about 10⁶ yr following the quark-nova, and exhibits features that are reminiscent of observed properties of Rotation RAdio Transients (RRATs). Using this model, we can account for the duration of both the radio bursts and the quiet phase, as well as the observed radio flux from RRATs. We discuss a connection between XDINs and RRATs and argue that some XDINs may be 'dead RRATs' that have already consumed their non-degenerate disc.     

The steady spin-down rate of 4U 1907+09

Using X-ray data from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer , we report the pulse timing results of the accretion-powered, high-mass X-ray binary pulsar 4U 1907+09, covering a time-span of almost two years. We measured three new pulse periods in addition to the previously measured four pulse periods. We are able to connect pulse arrival times in phase for more than a year. The source has been spinning down almost at a constant rate, with a spin-down rate of     for more than 15 yr. Residuals of pulse arrival times yield a very low level of random-walk noise, with a strength of ∼     on a time-scale of 383 d, which is 40 times lower than that of the high-mass X-ray binary pulsar Vela X-1. The noise strength is only a factor of 5 greater than that of the low-mass X-ray binary pulsar 4U 1626−67. The low level of the timing noise and the very stable spin-down rate of 4U 1907+09 make this source unique among the high-mass X-ray binary pulsars, providing another example, in addition to 4U 1626−67, of long-term quiet spin down from an accreting source. These examples show that the extended quiet spin-down episodes observed in the anomalous X-ray pulsars 1RXS J170849.0−400910 and 1E 2259+586 do not necessarily imply that these sources are not accreting pulsars.     

Type I X-ray bursts, burst oscillations and kHz quasi-periodic oscillations in the neutron star system IGR J17191−2821

We present a detailed study of the X-ray energy and power spectral properties of the neutron star transient IGR J17191−2821. We discovered four instances of pairs of simultaneous kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations (kHz QPOs). The frequency difference between these kHz QPOs is between 315 and 362 Hz. We also report on the detection of five thermonuclear type I X-ray bursts and the discovery of burst oscillations at ∼294 Hz during three of them. Finally, we report on a faint and short outburst precursor, which occurred about two months before the main outburst. Our results on the broad-band spectral and variability properties allow us to firmly establish the atoll source nature of IGR J17191−2821.     

Topology of magnetars external field – I. Axially symmetric fields

There is an increasing theoretical and observational evidence that the external magnetic field of magnetars may contain a toroidal component, likely of the same order of the poloidal one. Such 'twisted magnetospheres' are threaded by currents flowing along the closed field lines which can efficiently interact with soft thermal photons via resonant cyclotron scatterings (RCS). Actually, RCS spectral models proved quite successful in explaining the persistent ∼1–10 keV emission from the magnetar candidates, the soft γ-ray repeaters (SGRs) and the anomalous X-ray pulsars (AXPs). Moreover, it has been proposed that, in the presence of highly relativistic electrons, the same process can give rise to the observed hard X-ray spectral tails extending up to  ∼200 keV  . Spectral calculations have been restricted up to now to the case of a globally twisted dipolar magnetosphere, although there are indications that the twist may be confined only to a portion of the magnetosphere, and/or that the large-scale field is more complex than a simple dipole. In this paper, we investigate multipolar, force–free magnetospheres of ultramagnetized neutron stars. We first discuss a general method to generate multipolar solutions of the Grad-Schlüter-Shafranov (GSS) equation, and analyse in detail dipolar, quadrupolar and octupolar fields. The spectra and lightcurves for these multipolar, globally twisted fields are then computed using a Monte Carlo code and compared with those of a purely dipolar configuration. Finally, the phase-resolved spectra and energy-dependent lightcurves obtained with a simple model of a locally sheared field are confronted with the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory ( INTEGRAL ) observations of the AXPs 1RXS J1708−4009 and 4U 0142+61. Results support a picture in which the field in these two sources is not globally twisted.     

Resonant cyclotron scattering and Comptonization in neutron star magnetospheres

Resonant cyclotron scattering of the surface radiation in the magnetospheres of neutron stars may considerably modify the emergent spectra and impede efforts to constrain neutron star properties. Resonant cyclotron scattering by a non-relativistic warm plasma in an inhomogeneous magnetic field has a number of unusual characteristics. (i) In the limit of high resonant optical depth, the cyclotron resonant layer is half opaque , in sharp contrast to the case of non-resonant scattering. (ii) The transmitted flux is on average Compton up-scattered by  ∼1 + 2β_T  , where  β_T  is the typical thermal velocity in units of the velocity of light; the reflected flux has on average the initial frequency. (iii) For both the transmitted and reflected fluxes, the dispersion of intensity decreases with increasing optical depth. (iv) The emergent spectrum is appreciably non-Planckian while narrow spectral features produced at the surface may be erased.
We derive semi-analytically modification of the surface Planckian emission due to multiple scattering between the resonant layers and apply the model to the anomalous X-ray pulsar 1E  1048.1 − 5937  . Our simple model fits just as well as the 'canonical' magnetar spectra model of a blackbody plus power law.     

The evolution of Rapid Burster outbursts

We describe the evolutionary progression of an outburst of the Rapid Burster. Four outbursts have been observed with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer between 1996 February and 1998 May, and our observations are consistent with a standard evolution over the course of each. An outburst can be divided into two distinct phases. Phase I is dominated by type I bursts, with a strong persistent emission component; it lasts for 15–20 d. Phase II is characterized by type II bursts, which occur in a variety of patterns. The light curves of time-averaged luminosity for the outbursts show some evidence for reflares, similar to those seen in soft X-ray transients. The average recurrence time for Rapid Burster outbursts during this period was 218 d, in contrast to an average ∼180‐d recurrence period observed during 1976–1983.     

Discovery of type I X-ray bursts from the low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1708 – 40

We report the discovery of type I X-ray bursts from the low-mass X-ray binary  4U 1708 − 40  during the 100-ks observation performed by BeppoSAX on 1999 August 15–16. Six X-ray bursts have been observed. The unabsorbed 2–10 keV fluxes of the bursts range from ∼3 to  9 × 10⁻¹⁰ erg cm⁻² s⁻¹  . A correlation between peak flux and fluence of the bursts is found, in agreement with the behaviour observed in other similar sources. There is a trend of the burst flux to increase with the time interval from the previous burst. From the value of the persistent flux we infer a mass accretion rate     , which may correspond to the mixed hydrogen/helium burning regime triggered by thermally unstable hydrogen. We have also analysed a BeppoSAX observation performed on 2001 August 22 and previous RXTE observations of  4U 1708 − 40  , where no bursts have been observed; we find persistent fluxes of more than a factor of 7 higher than the persistent flux observed during the BeppoSAX observation showing X-ray bursts.     

Supergiant Fast X-ray Transients in outburst: new Swift observations of XTE J1739−302, IGR J17544−2619 and IGR J08408−4503

We report on new X-ray outbursts observed with Swift from three Supergiant Fast X-ray Transients (SFXTs): XTE J1739−302, IGR J17544−2619 and IGR J08408−4503. XTE J1739−302 underwent a new outburst on 2008 August 13, IGR J17544−2619 on 2008 September 4 and IGR J08408−4503 on 2008 September 21. While the XTE J1739−302 and IGR J08408−4503 bright emission triggered the Swift /Burst Alert Telescope, IGR J17544−2619 did not, thus we could perform a spectral investigation only of the spectrum below 10 keV. The broad-band spectra from XTE J1739−302 and IGR J08408−4503 were compatible with the X-ray spectral shape displayed during the previous flares. A variable absorbing column density during the flare was observed in XTE J1739−302 for the first time. The broad-band spectrum of IGR J08408−4503 requires the presence of two distinct photon populations, a cold one (∼0.3 keV) most likely from a thermal halo around the neutron star and a hotter one (1.4–1.8 keV) from the accreting column. The outburst from XTE J1739−302 could be monitored with a very good sampling, thus revealing a shape which can be explained with a second wind component in this SFXT, in analogy to what we have suggested in the periodic SFXT IGR J11215−5952. The outburst recurrence time-scale in IGR J17544−2619 during our monitoring campaign with Swift suggests a long orbital period of ∼150 d (in a highly eccentric orbit), compatible with what previously observed with INTEGRAL .     

Time-series Paschen-β spectroscopy of SU Aurigae

We present time-series echelle spectra of the Paβ line of the T Tauri star SU Aur, observed over three consecutive nights. The line shows strong variability (∼10 per cent) over the velocity range 100–420 km s⁻¹ in the red broad absorption component, and weaker variability (∼2 per cent) over the velocity range  −200–0 km s⁻¹  in the blue wing. The variability in the velocity range  −200–0 km s⁻¹  is correlated with that in  200–400 km s⁻¹  , and the variability in these velocity ranges anticorrelates with that in  0–100 km s⁻¹  . The mean spectrum from the second night shows the suggestion of a blueshifted absorption component at about  −150 km s⁻¹  , similar to that found in the Hα and Hβ lines. We find the position of the subpeak in the red absorption component changes steadily with time, and its motion modulates at half the rotational period. We also find that the modulation of the line equivalent width is possibly associated with a half and a third of the rotational period, which is consistent with the surface Doppler images of SU Aur. Radiative transfer models of a rotationally modulated Paβ line, produced in the shock-heated magnetospheric accretion flow, are also presented. Models with a magnetic dipole offset reproduce the overall characteristics of the observed line variability, including the line equivalent width and the motion of the subpeak in the red absorption trough.     

A Chandra X-ray observation of the globular cluster Terzan 1

We present a ∼19-ks Chandra Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS)-S observation of the globular cluster Terzan 1. 14 sources are detected within 1.4 arcmin of the cluster centre with two of these sources predicted to be not associated with the cluster (background active galactic nuclei or foreground objects). The neutron star X-ray transient, X1732−304, has previously been observed in outburst within this globular cluster with the outburst seen to last for at least 12 yr. Here, we find four sources that are consistent with the ROSAT position for this transient, but none of the sources are fully consistent with the position of a radio source detected with the Very Large Array that is likely associated with the transient. The most likely candidate for the quiescent counterpart of the transient has a relatively soft spectrum and an unabsorbed 0.5–10 keV luminosity of  2.6 × 10³² erg s⁻¹  , quite typical of other quiescent neutron stars. Assuming standard core cooling, from the quiescent flux of this source we predict long (>400 yr) quiescent episodes to allow the neutron star to cool. Alternatively, enhanced core cooling processes are needed to cool down the core. However, if we do not detect the quiescent counterpart of the transient this gives an unabsorbed 0.5–10 keV luminosity upper limit of  8 × 10³¹ erg s⁻¹  . We also discuss other X-ray sources within the globular cluster. From the estimated stellar encounter rate of this cluster we find that the number of sources we detect is significantly higher than expected by the relationship of Pooley et al.     

RXTE observations of 4U 1630−47 during the peak of its 1998 outburst

We present an analysis of the RXTE observations of 4U 1630−47 during its 1998 outburst. The light curve and the spectral evolution of the outburst were significantly different from the outbursts of the same source in 1996 and 1999. Special emphasis was placed on observations taken during the initial rise and during the maximum of the outburst. The maximum of the outburst was divided into three plateaux, with almost constant flux within each plateau, and fast jumps between them. The spectral and timing parameters are stable for each individual plateau, but significantly different between the plateaux. The variability detected on the first plateau is of special interest. During these observations the source exhibits quasi-regular oscillations with a period of ∼ 10–20 s. Our analysis revealed a difference in temporal behaviour of the source at high and low fluxes during this period of time. The source behaviour can be generally explained in the framework of the two-phase model of accretion flow, involving a hot inner Comptonization region and surrounding optically thick disc.
The variability and spectral evolution of the source were similar to what was observed earlier for other X-ray novae. We show that 4U 1630−47 resembles, in several aspects, other transient and persistent black hole binaries.     

“Anti-glitches” in the Quark–Nova model for AXPs I

In the Quark–Nova model, Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs) are quark stars surrounded by a degenerate iron-rich Keplerian ring (a few stellar radii away). AXP bursts are caused by accretion of chunks from the inner edge of the ring following magnetic field penetration. For bright bursts, the inner disk is prone to radiation induced warping which can tilt it into counter-rotation (i.e. retrograde). For AXP 1E2259+586, the 2002 burst satisfies the condition for the formation of a retrograde inner ring. We hypothesize the 2002 burst reversed the inner ring setting the scene for the 2012 outburst and “anti-glitch” when the retrograde inner ring was suddenly accreted leading to the basic observed properties of the 2012 event.     

An XMM–Newton observation of the neutron star X-ray transient 2S 1803−245 in quiescence

We observed the neutron star X-ray transient 2S 1803−245 in quiescence with the X-ray satellite XMM–Newton , but did not detect it. An analysis of the X-ray bursts observed during the 1998 outburst of 2S 1803−245 gives an upper limit to the distance of ≤7.3 kpc, leading to an upper limit on the quiescent 0.5–10 keV X-ray luminosity of  ≤2.8 × 10³² erg s⁻¹  (3σ). Since the expected orbital period of 2S 1803−245 is several hours, this limit is not much higher than those observed for the quiescent black hole transients with similar orbital periods.     

Optical spectroscopy and photometry of SAX J1808.4−3658 in outburst

We present phase resolved optical spectroscopy and photometry of V4580 Sagittarii, the optical counterpart to the accretion powered millisecond pulsar SAX J1808.4−3658, obtained during the 2008 September/October outburst. Doppler tomography of the N  iii λ4640.64 Bowen blend emission line reveals a focused spot of emission at a location consistent with the secondary star. The velocity of this emission occurs at  324 ± 15 km s⁻¹  ; applying a ' K -correction', we find the velocity of the secondary star projected on to the line of sight to be  370 ± 40 km s⁻¹  . Based on existing pulse timing measurements, this constrains the mass ratio of the system to be  0.044^+0.005_−0.004  , and the mass function for the pulsar to be  0.44^+0.16_−0.13 M_⊙  . Combining this mass function with various inclination estimates from other authors, we find no evidence to suggest that the neutron star in SAX J1808.4−3658 is more massive than the canonical value of  1.4 M_⊙  . Our optical light curves exhibit a possible superhump modulation, expected for a system with such a low mass ratio. The equivalent width of the Ca  ii H and K interstellar absorption lines suggest that the distance to the source is ∼2.5 kpc. This is consistent with previous distance estimates based on type-I X-ray bursts which assume cosmic abundances of hydrogen, but lower than more recent estimates which assume helium-rich bursts.     

Physics of accretion in the millisecond pulsar XTE J1751 − 305

We have undertaken an extensive study of X-ray data from the accreting millisecond pulsar XTE J1751 − 305 observed by RXTE and XMM–Newton during its 2002 outburst. In all aspects this source is similar to the prototypical millisecond pulsar SAX J1808.4 − 3658, except for the higher peak luminosity of 13 per cent of Eddington, and the optical depth of the hard X-ray source, which is larger by a factor ∼2. Its broad-band X-ray spectrum can be modelled by three components. We interpret the two soft components as thermal emission from a colder  ( kT ∼ 0.6 keV)  accretion disc and a hotter (∼1 keV) spot on the neutron star surface. We interpret the hard component as thermal Comptonization in plasma of temperature ∼40 keV and optical depth ∼1.5 in a slab geometry. The plasma is heated by the accretion shock as the material collimated by the magnetic field impacts on to the surface. The seed photons for Comptonization are provided by the hotspot, not by the disc. The Compton reflection is weak and the disc is probably truncated into an optically thin flow above the magnetospheric radius. Rotation of the emission region with the star creates an almost sinusoidal pulse profile with an rms amplitude of 3.3 per cent. The energy-dependent soft phase lags can be modelled by two pulsating components shifted in phase, which is naturally explained by a different character of emission of the optically thick spot and optically thin shock combined with the action of the Doppler boosting. The observed variability amplitude constrains the hotspot to lie within 3°–4° of the rotational pole. We estimate the inner radius of the optically thick accreting disc to be about 40 km. In that case, the absence of emission from the antipodal spot, which can be blocked by the accretion disc, gives the inclination of the system as ≳70°.     

The accretion powered spin-up of GRO J1750−27

The timing properties of the 4.45 s pulsar in the Be X-ray binary system GRO J1750−27 are examined using hard X-ray data from INTEGRAL and Swift during a type II outburst observed during 2008. The orbital parameters of the system are measured and agree well with those found during the last known outburst of the system in 1995. Correcting the effects of the Doppler shifting of the period, due to the orbital motion of the pulsar, leads to the detection of an intrinsic spin-up that is well described by a simple model including     and     terms of  −7.5 × 10⁻¹⁰ s s⁻¹  and  1 × 10⁻¹⁶ s s⁻²  , respectively. The model is then used to compare the time-resolved variation of the X-ray flux and intrinsic spin-up against the accretion torque model of Ghosh & Lamb; this finds that GRO J1750−27 is likely located 12–22 kpc distant and that the surface magnetic field of the neutron star is  ∼2 × 10¹²  G. The shape of the pulse and the pulsed fraction shows different behaviour above and below 20 keV, indicating that the observed pulsations are the convolution of many complex components.     

Recent progress on anomalous X-ray pulsars

I review recent observational progress on Anomalous X-ray Pulsars, with an emphasis on timing, variability, and spectra. Highlighted results include the recent timing and flux stabilization of the notoriously unstable AXP 1E 1048.1–5937, the remarkable glitches seen in two AXPs, and the newly recognized variety of AXP variability types, including outbursts, bursts, flares, and pulse profile changes. I also discuss recent discoveries regarding AXP spectra, including their surprising hard X-ray and far-infrared emission, as well as the pulsed radio emission seen in one source. Much has been learned about these enigmatic objects over the past few years, with the pace of discoveries remaining steady. However additional work on both observational and theoretical fronts is needed before we have a comprehensive understanding of AXPs and their place in the zoo of manifestations of young neutron stars.      

Superorbital variability in hard X-rays

We present the results of a study with the Swift Burst Alert Telescope in the 14–195 keV range of the long-term variability of five low-mass X-ray binaries with reported or suspected superorbital periods – 4U 1636−536, 4U 1820−303, 4U 1916−053, Cyg X-2 and Sco X-1. No significant persistent periodic modulation was detected around the previously reported periods in the 4U 1916−053, Cyg X-2 or Sco X-1 light curves. The ∼170-d period of 4U 1820−303 was detected up to 24 keV, consistent with variable accretion due to the previously proposed triple system model. The ∼46-d period in 4U 1636−536 was detected up to 100 keV, with the modulation in the low- and high-energy bands found to be phase shifted by ∼180° with respect to each other. This phase shift, when taken together with the near-coincident onset of the ∼46-d modulation and the low/hard X-ray state, leads us to speculate that the modulation could herald transient jet formation.