Radial-velocity curves and theoretical spectral-line profiles of the components of low-mass close X-ray binary systems

We present the results of calculations of theoretical absorption-line profiles and radial-velocity curves for optical components in X-ray binary systems. Tidal distortion of the optical star and X-ray heating by incident radiation from the relativistic object are taken into account. An emission component forms whose intensity varies with orbital phase in the absorption-line profile in the presence of significant X-ray heating. As a result, the width of the line decreases rather than increases at quadrature. The line profiles and equivalent widths and the radial-velocity curves depend substantially on the parameters of the binary systems. This provides the possibility of directly determining component masses and orbital inclinations from high-resolution spectroscopic observations of X-ray binary systems.     

Polarization effects in the radiation of magnetized envelopes and extended accretion structures

We have calculated the degree and position angle of the polarization of radiation scattered in a magnetized, optically thin or optically thick envelope around a central source, taking into account Faraday rotation of the plane of polarization during the propagation of the scattered radiation and the finite size of the radiation source. The wavelength dependence of the degree of polarization can be used to estimate the magnetic field of the source (a star, the region around a neutron star, or a black hole), and we have used our calculations to estimate the magnetic fields in a number of individual objects: several hot O and Wolf-Rayet stars, compact objects in X-ray close binaries with black holes (SS 433, Cyg X-1), and supernovae. The spectrum of the linear polarization can be used to determine the magnetic field in the vicinity of a central supermassive black hole, where the polarized optical radiation is generated. In a real physical model, this value can be extrapolated to the region of the last stable orbit. In the future, the proposed technique will make it possible to directly estimate the magnetic field in the region of the last stable orbit of a supermassive black hole using X-ray polarimetry.     

Curvature and non-resonance Compton gamma-ray emission of a radio pulsar with a non-dipolar magnetic field

We consider the influence of a non-dipolar magnetic field on the gamma-ray emission from the polar regions of a radio pulsar. The pulsar is treated in a Goldreich-Julian model with a free flow of charge from the surface of the neutron star. When finding the intensity of the gamma-ray radiation of the pulsar tube, both curvature gamma-ray radiation from the primary electrons and non-resonance inverse Compton scattering of thermal photons from the polar cap on primary electrons are taken into account. When finding the height of the upper plate of the pulsar diode, we included only positrons created by the curvature radiation of primary electrons. We assumed that the polar cap is heated by the return positron current. The influence on the gamma-ray emission of variations in both the radius of curvature of the magnetic force lines and in the electric field due to the non-dipolarity of the magnetic field were taken into account. The presence of even weak non-dipolarity of the magnetic field leads to a sharp decrease in the intensity of the gamma-ray emission from the pulsar tube at energies 1–100 MeV, while the intensity of the inverse Compton radiation (at energies 1–100 GeV) varies only relatively weakly.     

Inverse Compton Scattering of Radiation from a Central Source as a Possible Mechanism for the Formation of X-Ray Radiation from Kiloparsec Jets of Core-Dominated Quasars

Astronomy Reports - For the interpretation of X-ray radiation from kiloparsec jets of quasars, the inverse Compton scattering of the cosmic microwave background has been widely used for almost 20...     

Accretion of neutral hydrogen and helium onto a neutron star. The X-ray and gamma-ray radiation of cool neutron stars

The accretion of neutral gas (hydrogen and helium) onto a neutron star is studied. The gas is gravitationally captured into the magnetosphere of the star, where it is ionized by thermal radiation from the stellar surface and accelerated by the electric field at the light cylinder and in a tube of open magnetic lines. Particles accelerated at light cylinder generate gamma-ray, some particles move to the star and heat its polar regions, resulting in the emission of X-rays. Our calculations of the model parameters of the X-ray and gamma-ray radiation indicate that the radiation intensities should be sufficient to be observed.     

The mass of the compact object in the low-mass X-ray binary 2S 0921-630

We interpret the observed radial-velocity curve of the optical star in the low-mass X-ray binary 2S 0921-630 using a Roche model, taking into account the X-ray heating of the optical star and screening of X-rays coming from the relativistic object by the accretion disk. Consequences of possible anisotropy of the X-ray radiation are considered. We obtain relations between the masses of the optical and compact (X-ray) components, m _v and m _x , for orbital inclinations i = 60°, 75°, and 90°. Including X-ray heating enabled us to reduce the compact object’s mass by ～0.5–1 M _⊙, compared to the case with no heating. Based on the K0III spectral type of the optical component (with a probable mass of m _v ? 2.9 M _⊙), we concluded that m _x ? 2.45?2.55 M _⊙ (for i = 75°?90°). If the K0III star has lost a substantial part of its mass as a result of mass exchange, as in the V404 Cyg and GRS 1905+105 systems, and its mass is m _v ? 0.65?0.75 M _⊙, the compact object’s mass is close to the standard mass of a neutron star, m _x ? 1.4 M _⊙ (for i = 75°?90°). Thus, it is probable that the X-ray source in the 2S 0921-630 binary is an accreting neutron star.     

Determining the Inclination of the Kiloparsec-Scale Jet of the Quasar 3C 273 Based on Competition of Mechanisms for the Knot X-ray Emission

Based on the idea that the X-ray emission of the knots in the kiloparsec-scale jet of 3C 273 located closest to the active nucleus is due to inverse Compton scattering on the quasar radiation, while the X-ray emission of knots further from the nucleus is due to inverse Compton scattering on the cosmic microwave background, we find that the angle of the jet to the line of sight is θ ≈ 30°. The magnetic field and electron density in the knots are estimated. It is concluded that there is a break in the electron-energy spectrum at a Lorentz factor of г ∼ 10⁶. It is shown that the energy density of the relativistic electrons in the knots appreciably exceeds the energy density in the magnetic field.     

The mass of the black hole in the X-ray binary M33 X-7 and the evolutionary status of M33 X-7 and IC 10 X-1

We have analyzed the observed radial-velocity curve for the X-ray binary M33 X-7 in a Roche model. We have analyzed the dependence between the component masses and the degree of filling of the optical star’s Roche lobe to obtain the ratio of the masses of the optical star and compact object. For the most probable mass of the optical star, m _v = 70 M⊙, the mass of the compact object is m _x = 15.55 ± 3.20 M⊙. It has been shown that black holes with masses of mx = 15 M⊙ and even higher can form in binaries. We present characteristic evolutionary tracks for binary systems passing through an evolutionary stage with properties similar to M33 X-7-type objects. According to population-synthesis analyses, such binaries should be present in galaxies with masses of at least 10¹¹ M⊙. The present number of such systems in M33 should be of the order of unity. We have also studied the evolutionary status of the X-ray binary IC 10 X-1 with a Wolf-Rayet component, which may contain a massive black hole. The final stages of the evolution of the M33 X-7 and IC 10 X-1 systems should be accompanied by the radiation of gravitational waves.     

The X-ray emission of magnetars

It is shown that cyclotron radiation by electrons near the surface of a neutron star with a magnetic field of ～10¹² G can easily provide the observed quiescent radiation of magnetars (Anomalous X-ray Pulsars and Soft Gamma-ray Repeaters). Pulsed emission is generated by the synchrotron mechanism at the periphery of the magnetosphere. Short-time-scale cataclysms on the neutron star could lead to flares of gamma-ray radiation with powers exceeding the power of the X-ray emission by a factor of 2γ², where γ is the Lorentz factor of the radiating particles. It is shown that an electron cyclotron line with an energy of roughly 1 MeV should be generated in the magnetar model. The detection of this line would serve as confirmation of the correctness of this model.     

Gamma-ray bursts—tracers of the history of star formation in the Universe

The rate of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in the Galaxy is estimated assuming that these events result from the formation of rapidly rotating Kerr black holes during the core collapse of massive, helium, Wolf-Rayet secondary components in very close binary systems. This process brings about rapid rotation of the cores of such Wolf-Rayet stars, inevitably resulting in the formation of Kerr black holes during type Ib,c supernovae. The current rate of formation of Kerr black holes (GRBs) in the Galaxy is about 3×10^?5/year. Collimation of the gamma-ray radiation into a small solid angle (about 0.1–0.01 sr) brings this rate into consistency with the observed rate of GRBs, estimated to be 10^?6–10^?7/year. Possible immediate progenitors of GRBs are massive X-ray binaries with X-ray luminosities of 10³⁸–10⁴⁰ erg/s. Due to the short lifetimes of the progenitors and the very high brightnesses of GRBs, the GRB rate can provide information about the history of star formation in the Universe on the Hubble time scale. A model in which the star-formation rate is determined by the conditions for ionization of the interstellar gas, whose density and volume are determined by supernovae, yields a Galactic star-formation history that can be viewed as representing the history of star formation in the Universe. The theoretical history of star formation is in satisfactory agreement with the history reconstructed from observations. The theoretical model for the history of star formation in the Galaxy can also be used to assess the influence of dust on optical observations of supernovae and GRBs in galaxies of various ages.     

K-Corrections to radial-velocity curves of optical components in X-ray binaries. Massive systems with weak X-ray heating

The radial-velocity curves of optical components in X-ray binary systems can differ from the radial-velocity curves of their barycenters due to tidal distortion, gravitational darkening, X-ray heating, etc. This motivated us to investigate how the semi-amplitudes of the radial-velocity curves of these optical components can depend on the binary-system parameters in a Roche model. The K correction is taken to be the ratio of the radial velocity semi-amplitude for a star in the Roche model to the corresponding value for the stellar barycenter. K corrections are tabulated for the optical stars in the massive X-ray binaries Cen X-3, LMC X-4, SMC X-1, Vela X-1, and 4U 1538-52.     

X射线荧光光谱法测定铁矿中铁等多种元素

采用熔融片制样,加入钴元素(Co Kα)作铁的内标,用X射线荧光光谱法测定铁等多种元素。用多种类型铁矿标准样品作为校准,理论α系数内标法及康普敦散射作内标校正基体效应。方法的最大绝对误差AE(TFe)≤0.23%,满足了ISO 9507对TFe分析结果准确度的要求[AE(TFe)≤0.3%]。     

The spin-down mechanism of the X-ray pulsar 4U 2206+54

Observations of the X-ray pulsar 4U 2206+54 obtrained over 15 years show that its period, which is now 5555 ± 9 s, is increasing dramatically. This behavior is difficult to explain using traditional scenarios for the spin evolution of compact stars. The observed spin-down rate of the neutron star in 4U 2206+54 is in good agreement with the value expected in a magnetic-accretion scenario, taking into account that, under certain conditions, the magnetic field of the accretion stream can affect the geometry and type of flow. The neutron star in this case accretes material from a dense gaseous slab with small angular momentum, which is kept in equilibrium by the magnetic field of the flow itself. A magnetic-accretion scenario can be realized in 4U 2206+54 if the magnetic-field strength at the surface of the optical counterpart to the neutron star is higher than 70 G. The magnetic field at the surface of the neutron star is 4 × 10¹² G in this scenario, in agreement with estimates based on an analysis of X-ray spectra of the pulsar.     

determination of Trace Elements in Eight Chinese Stream-Sediment Reference Samples by Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry

Concentrations of twelve trace elements (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Ba, La and Ce) in eight Chinese stream-sediment reference samples have been determined by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The samples were analyzed directly and non-destructively in loose powder form. Compton scatter radiation was used as an internal standard to compensate for variations in sample matrix, particle size, packing density, and instrumental operating characteristics. The results agree well with the Chinese recommended values.     

A possible mechanism for the X-ray emission of Be/X stars

A new mechanism for the generation of X-ray emission in binary Be/X stars is proposed. It is shown that the mass-transfer rate through the point L₁ in a model in which the optical component of a Be/X star has an expanding envelope is sufficient to generate the observed X-ray luminosities of such stars. The results of computations indicate a dependence between the orbital periods and X-ray fluxes of these systems. The relationship between the orbital perod and the mass-transfer rate during flares obtained from modeling corresponds to the observed dependence of the maximum X-ray flux on the orbital period.     

Acceleration of close binaries in supernova explosions

We investigate the orientation of the orbital planes of X-ray binary systems relative to the direction of the additional velocity acquired by the binary in a supernova explosion or as a result of radiative acceleration. In the second case, the acceleration occurs due to X-ray radiation during a stage of intense accretion onto the neutron star, which has an asymmetric magnetic field. Observational consequences that could enable estimation of the role of each acceleration mechanism are discussed. The results are also applicable to binary millisecond radio pulsars, assuming that they have gone through an accretion stage.     

Search for differences in the velocities and directions of the kiloparsec-scale jets of quasars with and without X-ray emission

The X-ray emission of the kiloparsec-scale jets of core-dominant quasars is usually interpreted as inverse Compton scattering on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) emission (Sample I). By analogy with the situation on parsec scales, ultrarelativistic motion along a jet oriented at a small angle to the line of sight is usually invoked to explain the X-ray emission while also satisfying the condition of equipartition between the energies associated with the relativistic particles and the magnetic field on kiloparsec scales. This leads to an increase in the energy flux of the CMB radiation in the rest frame of the kiloparsec-scale jets. Consequently, the intensity of the CMB radiation is enhanced to the level required for detectable X-ray emission. This suggests that kiloparsec jets of quasars with similar extents and radio flux densities that are not detected in the X-ray (Sample II) could have subrelativistic speeds and larger angles to the line of sight, due to deceleration and bending of the jet between parsec and kiloparsec scales. This suggests the possible presence of differences in the distributions of the difference between the position angle for the parsec-scale and kiloparsec-scale jets for these two groups of quasars; this is not confirmed by a statistical analysis of the data for Samples I and II. It is deduced that most of the sources considered exhibit bending of their jets by less than about 1.5 times the angle of the parsec-scale jet to the line of sight. This suggests that the X-ray emission is generated by other mechanisms that there is no equipartition.     

Multicolor photometry of CH Cygni in 1978–1998

We present the results of long-term (1978–1998) infrared and optical observations of the unique symbiotic system CH Cygni. The system’s IR brightness and color variations are generally consistent with a model in which the source is surrounded by a dust envelope with variable optical depth. There was evidence for a hot source in the CH Cyg system during the entire period from 1978 to 1998, with the exception of several hundred days in 1987–1989. Over the observation period, there was tendency for the system to gradually redden at 0.36–5 µm, accompanied by a brightness decrease at 0.36–2.2µm and a brightness increase at 3.5 and 5 µm. The “activation” of the cool sources in 1986–1989 nearly coincided with the disappearance of radiation from the hot source. The dust envelope of CH Cyg is not spherically symmetrical, and its optical depth along the line of sight is substantially lower than its emission coefficient, the mean values being τ_ex(L)～0.06 and τ_em(L)～0.16. We confirm the presence of a 1800-to 2000-day period in both the optical and IR, both accounting for, and not accounting for, a linear trend. The spectral type of the cool star varied between M5III and M7III. The spectral type was M5III during the phase of maximum activity of the system’s hot source, while the spectral type was M7III when the star’s optical radiation was almost completely absent. The luminosity of the cool giant varied from (6300–9100)L _⊙; its radius varied by approximately 30%. The ratio of the luminosities of the dust envelope and the cool giant varied from 0.08 to 0.5; i.e., up to 50% of the cool star’s radiation could be absorbed in the envelope. The temperature of dust particles in the emitting envelope varied from 550 to 750 K; the radius of the envelope varied by more than a factor of 2. The expansion of the emitting dust envelope observed in 1979–1988 accelerated: its initial velocity (in 1979) was ～8 km/s, while the maximum velocity (in 1987–1989) was ～180 km/s. Beginning in 1988, the radiation radius of the dust envelope began to decrease, first at ～45 km/s and then (in 1996–1998) at ～3 km/s. From 1979 until 1996, the mass of the emitting dust envelope increased by approximately a factor of 27 (the masses in 1979 and 1988 were ～1.4×10^?7 M _⊙ and ～3.8×10^?6 M _⊙, respectively), after which (by 1999) it decreased by nearly a factor of 7. The mass-loss rate of the cool star increased in 1979–1989, reaching ～3.5×10^?6 ～3.5×10^?6 M _⊙/yr in 1988. Subsequently (up to the summer of 1999), the envelope itself began to lose mass at a rate exceeding that of the cool star. The largest input of matter to the envelope occurred after the phase of optical activity in 1978–1985. If the envelope’s gas-to-dust ratio is ～100, the mass of matter ejected in 1988 was ～4×10^?4 M _⊙.     

Population synthesis for the luminosity functions of X-ray binaries made using the “Scenario Machine”

Using the “Scenario Machine” (a computer code based on the Monte-Carlo method, developed to calculate the evolution of a large ensemble of binaries), we have carried out population-synthesis calculations for X-ray binaries for the purpose of modeling the X-ray luminosity functions in various type galaxies. These calculations were focused on the evolution of magnetized neutron stars. The X-ray luminosity function is not universal, and depends on the star formation rate in the galaxy. In theoretical models, it is very important to take into account the evolution of the binaries and their lifetimes in their X-ray stages. We calculated the cumulative and differential X-ray luminosity functions in galaxies with a constant star formation rate, the cumulative luminosity functions for various time intervals since the peak star formation, and curves describing the evolution of the X-ray luminosity after a star formation burst in the galaxy.     

Observations of a unique minimum of RR Tau in the optical and near infrared

We present observations of the UX Ori star RR Tau in the optical (UBVRI)and near infrared (JHKLM)acquired between November 2000 and April 2001. We recorded a uniquely long (about half a year) Algol-like minimum with an amplitude of ΔV≈2.9. The dimming of RR Tau was accompanied by an increase of the linear polarization, typical of UX Ori stars and testifying to the eclipsing nature of the minimum. The J and H infrared fluxes varied synchronously with the optical variations. However, the K and L brightness changes were in the opposite sense: the flux in these two bands increased for the entire duration of the optical minimum. Our analysis suggests that the source of the K and L radiation is the dust cloud itself, moving at a distance of about 1 AU from the star. The flux increase in these bands was not due to an increase in the dust temperature, but instead to an increase in the number of emitting grains in the cloud. This could be associated either with an actual increase in the number of fine grains due to sublimation and the disruption of larger grains or with the distortion and disruption of the cloud due to tidal perturbation, permitting the star’s light to penetrate and heat the densest regions of the cloud. Based on the observed L fluxes, we estimate the mass of the emitting dust in the cloud to be ≈10²³ g. Taking into account the presence of cool dust and a gaseous component in the cloud in addition to the dust heated by the star’s radiation, and adopting a ratio for the masses of the dust and gas components similar to that in the interstellar medium (1:100), we estimate the cloud’s total mass to be ≥10²⁵ g. Judging from this value and the duration of the minimum, we observed an extremely rare episode associated with a giant gas and dust cloud with a total mass on the order of 0.1 lunar mass or higher, which passed very near the young star (and may be falling onto it).