恒星级黑洞的观测证认研究进展

具有不同质量的恒星在耗尽其热核能源后,最终可能会坍缩成为性质完全不同的致密天体,如白矮星、中子星或者黑洞。从20世纪30年代起,黑洞的观测及其证认一直是天体物理学的研究热点之一。首先简要地回顾了恒星级黑洞的形成及其候选天体的研究历史;然后介绍了如何从观测上证认恒星级黑洞:接着详细讨论了恒星级黑洞的质量和自转参数的测量方法;最后介绍恒星级黑洞观测及其证认的最新研究进展,并做出结论:目前已经有充分的证据宣告在部分吸积X射线双星中存在恒星级黑洞。     

黑洞的搜寻和证认(I):现状

简要介绍有关黑洞的理论及其表现形式,详细综述在星系中心及X射线双星中搜寻和证认黑洞的原理、方法及现状．在星系层次,除活动星系核中心可能存在的黑洞外,在邻近星系中已找到至少11个黑洞候选者,但观测所及的最小尺度仍比黑洞视界高几个量级。在恒星层次,利用动力学判据,人们己在大质量X射线双星和软X射线暂现源中找到至少10个强候选者,并利用辐射判据找到更多的候选者,但目前仍然没有找到黑洞双星区别于中子星双星的决定性判据．所有这些说明,迄今尚未找到充足的证据证明黑洞的存在。     

Rotating black holes in neutron and quark stars: Phenomenon of pulsars

The phenomenon of pulsars is considered as the evidence for existence of black holes in neutron and quark stars. Within the framework of the degenerated star model with black-hole interior the existence of millisecond pulsars withP<0.5 ms and single pulsars with negative derivative of the period were predicted. The anisotropic accretion of neutron (or quark) star matter on to a rotating black hole leads to the formation of directed radiation (projector), which makes heat spots at surface (volcanos), that explains the nature of pulsating radiation and the complicated structure of impulses. This model gives both the mechanism of self-acceleration of degenerated star rotation (mass accretion on to the internal black hole) producing millisecond pulsars and also the mechanism of significant deceleration of rotation (ejection of neutral mass through a volcanic crater), leading to long-periodic X-ray pulsars. The black hole produces high densities and temperatures of the degenerated star mass that transforms gradually the neutron star into quark star (Cygnus X-3).     

Modelling the behaviour of accretion flows in X-ray binaries

We review how the recent increase in X-ray and radio data from black hole and neutron star binaries can be merged together with theoretical advances to give a coherent picture of the physics of the accretion flow in strong gravity. Both long term X-ray light curves, X-ray spectra, the rapid X-ray variability and the radio jet behaviour are consistent with a model where a standard outer accretion disc is truncated at low luminosities, being replaced by a hot, inner flow which also acts as the launching site of the jet. Decreasing the disc truncation radius leads to softer spectra, as well as higher frequencies (including quasi periodic oscillations, QPOs) in the power spectra, and a faster jet. The collapse of the hot flow when the disc reaches the last stable orbit triggers the dramatic decrease in radio flux, as well as giving a qualitative (and often quantitative) explanation for the major hard–soft spectral transition seen in black holes. The neutron stars are also consistent with the same models, but with an additional component due to their surface, giving implicit evidence for the event horizon in black holes. We review claims of observational data which conflict with this picture, but show that these can also be consistent with the truncated disc model. We also review suggested alternative models for the accretion flow which do not involve a truncated disc. The most successful of these converge on a similar geometry, where there is a transition at some radius larger than the last stable orbit between a standard disc and an inner, jet dominated region, with the X-ray source associated with a mildly relativistic outflow, beamed away from the disc. However, the observed uniformity of properties between black holes at different inclinations suggests that even weak beaming of the X-ray emission may be constrained by the data. After collapse of the hot inner flow, the spectrum in black hole systems can be dominated by the disc emission. Its behaviour is consistent with the existence of a last stable orbit, and such data can be used to estimate the black hole spin. By contrast, these systems can also show very different spectra at these high luminosities, in which the disc spectrum (and probably structure) is strongly distorted by Comptonization. The structure of the accretion flow becomes increasingly uncertain as the luminosity approaches (and exceeds) the Eddington luminosity, though there is growing evidence that winds may play an important role. We stress that these high Eddington fraction flows are key to understanding many disparate and currently very active fields such as ULX, Narrow Line Seyfert 1’s, and the growth of the first black holes in the Early Universe.     

Comparing Black Hole and Neutron Star Variability

There are remarkable similarities between the rapid X-ray variability of low-magnetic field neutron stars in low mass X-ray binaries, and that of black holes. In particular at frequencies < 100 Hz, their power spectra can be strikingly similar. The highest frequency phenomena (kilohertz QPOs, black hole high-frequency QPOs and neutron star hectohertz QPOs) are the ones that show most differences, perhaps because they originate closest to the compact object. Most variability components vary in frequency in correlation with one another, and the correlations once again are very similar across neutron stars and black holes – some extend even to white dwarfs. Although this does not strictly require that all phenomena whose frequencies are involved are caused by the same physics in all three source types, this does indicate that basic properties of the accretion flow which are the same in all three source types play an important role in generating at least some of the frequencies.     

Gravitationless black holes

A gravitationless black hole model is proposed in accord with a five-dimensional fully covariant Kaluza-Klein (K-K) theory with a scalar field, which unifies the four-dimensional Einsteinian general theory of relativity and Maxwellian electromagnetic theory. It is shown that a dense compact core of a star, when it collapses to a critical density, suddenly turns off or shields its gravitational field. The core, if its mass exceeds an upper limit, directly collapses into a black hole. Otherwise, the extremely large pressure, as the gravity is turned off, immediately stops the collapse and drives the mantle material of supernova moving outward, which leads to an impulsive explosion and forms a neutron star as a remnant. A neutron star can further evolve into a black hole when it accretes enough matter from a companion star such that the total mass exceeds a lower limit. The black hole in the K-K theory is gravitationless at the surface because the scalar field is infinitely strong, which varies the equivalent gravitational constant to zero. In general, a star, at the end of its evolution, is relatively harder to collapse into a gravitationless K-K black hole than a strong gravitational Schwarzschild black hole. This is consistent with the observation of some very massive stars to form neutron stars rather than expected black holes. In addition, the gravitationless K-K black hole should be easier to generate jets than a Schwarzschild black hole.     

Forced oscillations in fluid tori and quasi‐periodic oscillations

The kilo‐Hertz Quasi‐Periodic Oscillations in X‐ray binaries could originate within the accretion flow, and be a signature of non–linear fluid oscillations and mode coupling in strong gravity. The possibility to decipher these systems will impact our knowledge of fundamental parameters such as the neutron star mass, radius, and spin. Thus they offer the possibility to constrain the nuclear equation of state and the rotation parameter of stellar–mass black holes. We review the general properties of these oscillations from a hydrodynamical point of view, when the accretion flow is subject to external perturbations and summarize recent results. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

X-ray binaries

Summary The various types and classes of X-ray binary are reviewed high-lighting recent results. The high mass X-ray binaries (HMXRBs) can be used to probe the nature of the mass loss from the OB star in these systems. Absorption measurements through one orbital cycle of the supergiant system X1700-37 are well modelled by a radiation driven wind and also require a gas stream trailing behind the X-ray source. In Cen X-3 the gas stream is accreted by the X-ray source via an accretion disk. Changes in the gas stream can cause the disk to thicken and the disk to obscure the X-ray source. How close the supergiant is to corotation seems to be as much a critical factor in these systems as how close it is to filling its Roche lobe. In the Be star X-ray binaries a strong correlation between the neutron stars rotation period and its orbital period has been explained as due to the neutron star being immersed in a dense, slow moving equatorial wind from the Be star. For the X-ray pulsars in the transient Be X-ray binaries a centrifugal barrier to accretion is important in determining the X-ray lightcurve and the spin evolution. The X-ray orbital modulations from the low mass X-ray binaries, LMXRBs, include eclipses by the companion and/or periodic dipping behaviour from structure at the edge of the disk. The corresponding optical modulations show a smooth sinusoidal like component and in some cases a sharp eclipse by the companion. The orbital period of the LMXRB XB1916-05 is 1% longer in the optical compared to that given by the X-ray dip period. The optical period has been interpreted as the orbital period, but this seems inconsistent with the well established view of the origin of the X-ray modulations in LMXRB. A new model is presented that assumes the X-ray dip period is the true orbital period. The 5.2 h eclipsing LMXRB XB2129+47 recently entered a low state and optical observations unexpectedly reveal an F star which is too big to fit into the binary. This is probably the first direct evidence that an X-ray binary is part of a hierarchical triple. Finally the class of X-ray binaries containing black hole candidates is reviewed focusing on the value of using X-ray signatures to identify new candidates.     

The distribution of supermassive black holes in the nuclei of nearby galaxies

The growth of supermassive black holes by merging and accretion in hierarchical models of galaxy formation is studied by means of Monte Carlo simulations. A tight linear relation between masses of black holes and masses of bulges arises if the mass accreted by supermassive black holes scales linearly with the mass-forming stars and if the redshift evolution of mass accretion tracks closely that of star formation. Differences in redshift evolution between black hole accretion and star formation introduce a considerable scatter in this relation. A non-linear relation between black hole accretion and star formation results in a non-linear relation between masses of remnant black holes and masses of bulges. The relation of black hole mass to bulge luminosity observed in nearby galaxies and its scatter are reproduced reasonably well by models in which black hole accretion and star formation are linearly related but do not track each other in redshift. This suggests that a common mechanism determines the efficiency for black hole accretion and the efficiency for star formation, especially for bright bulges.     

Nature of the X-ray Source in Supernova Remnant RCW103

I discuss the nature of the compact X-ray source in the center of the supernova remnant RCW 103. Several models, based on the accretion onto a compact object are briefly discussed. I show that it is more likely that the central X-ray source is an accreting neutron star than an accreting black hole. I also argue that models of a disrupted binary system consisting of an old accreting neutron star and a new one observed as a 69-ms pulsar are most favored. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Neutron star retention and millisecond pulsar production in globular clusters

We investigate the conditions by which neutron star retention in globular clusters is favoured. We find that neutron stars formed in massive binaries are far more likely to be retained. Such binaries are likely to then evolve into contact before encountering other stars, possibly producing a single neutron star after a common envelope phase. A large fraction of the single neutron stars in globular clusters are then likely to exchange into binaries containing moderate-mass main-sequence stars, replacing the lower-mass components of the original systems. These binaries will become intermediate-mass X-ray binaries (IMXBs), once the moderate-mass star evolves off the main sequence, as mass is transferred on to the neutron star, possibly spinning it up in the process. Such systems may be responsible for the population of millisecond pulsars (MSPs) that has been observed in globular clusters. Additionally, the period of mass-transfer (and thus X-ray visibility) in the vast majority of such systems will have occurred 5–10 Gyr ago, thus explaining the observed relative paucity of X-ray binaries today, given the MSP population.     

The Death of Compact Binary Stars

Merging rates for compact binaries (double neutron stars or black holes) are calculated based on modern concepts of binary star evolution. It is found that the first laser interferometers, with rms sensitivities of 10-21 at a frequency of 100 Hz, can detect 10-700 black holes and only 1 neutron star coalescences in a 1-year integration time. The implications of evolutionary effects for the cosmological origin of gamma ray bursts are also discussed.     

What can we learn from Neutron Star X-Ray Binaries' JETS?

We review our current knowledge of the disk-jet coupling in neutron star X-ray binaries. We compare neutron star and black hole X-ray binaries, by means of radio and X-ray observations, in order to understand the role played in the production of the jet, by characteristics proper of the accreting compact object involved: the existence of a solid surface, the presence of an ergosphere/event horizon, the strength of the magnetic field, the spin of the compact object.     

Spin evolution of neutron stars in binary systems

I review our understanding of the evolution of the spin periods of neutron stars in binary stellar systems, from their birth as fast, spin-powered pulsars, through their middle life as accretion-powered pulsars, upto their recycling or “rebirth” as spin-powered pulsars with relatively low magnetic fields and fast rotation. I discuss how the new-born neutron star is spun down by electromagnetic and “propeller” torques, until accretion of matter from the companion star begins, and the neutron star becomes an accretion-powered X-ray pulsar. Detailed observations of massive radio pulsar binaries like PSR 1259-63 will yield valuable information about this phase of initial spindown. I indicate how the spin of the neutron star then evolves under accretion torques during the subsequent phase as an accretion-powered pulsar. Finally, I describe how the neutron star is spun up to short periods again during the subsequent phase of recycling, with the accompanying reduction in the stellar magnetic field, the origins of which are still not completely understood.     

The maximum mass of neutron stars

Summary. The maximum mass of neutron stars plays an important role in determining the end point of the evolution of massive stars. As the number of stellar mass black holes in binary x-ray sources grows, and as the mass spectrum of the black holes emerges, the value of the maximum mass of neutron stars has acquired great significance. Although it is now more than sixty years since the first attempt by Oppenheimer and Volkoff, no definitive answer can be given. This review will attempt to outline the main difficulties, both conceptual as well as technical, that stand in the way of a reliable estimate of the maximum mass. We shall also highlight how laboratory experiments, as well as astronomical observations, may help to clarify the true nature of the interior of neutron stars. Received 26 November 2001 / Published online 22 April 2002     

Measuring the orbital periods of low mass X-ray binaries in the X-ray band

A low mass X-ray binary(LMXB) contains either a neutron star or a black hole accreting materials from its low mass companion star. It is one of the primary astrophysical sources for studying stellar-mass compact objects and accreting phenomena. As with other binary systems, the most important parameter of an LMXB is the orbital period, which allows us to learn about the nature of the binary system and constrain the properties of the system's components, including the compact object. As a result, measuring the orbital periods of LMXBs is essential for investigating these systems even though fewer than half of them have known orbital periods. This article introduces the different methods for measuring the orbital periods in the X-ray band and reviews their application to various types of LMXBs, such as eclipsing and dipping sources, as well as pulsar LMXBs.     

The population of faint transients in the Galactic Centre

BeppoSAX has detected a population of faint transient X-ray sources in the Galactic Centre. I show that a simple irradiated disc picture gives a consistent fit to the properties of this population, and that it probably consists of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) that have evolved beyond their minimum orbital periods of ∼80 min. Since all post-minimum systems are transient, and neutron star LMXBs are more common than black hole LMXBs in the Galaxy, the majority of these systems should contain neutron stars, as observed. This picture predicts that the Galactic Centre transients should have orbital periods in the range ∼80–120 min, and that most of them should repeat in the next few years. In this case, the total number of post-minimum transients in the Galaxy would be considerably smaller than the usual estimates of its total LMXB population. I discuss possible reasons for this.     

Scenarios for the formation of binary and millisecond pulsars – A critical assessment

The evolution of high-and low-mass X-ray binaries (HMXB and LMXB) into different types of binary radio pulsars, the ‘high-mass binary pulsars’(HMBP) and ‘low-mass binary pulsars’ (LMBP) is discussed. The HMXB evolve either into Thorne-Zytkow objects or into short-period binaries consisting of a helium star plus a neutron star (or a black hole), resembling Cygnus X-3. The latter systems evolve (with or without a second common-envelope phase) into close binary pulsars, in which the companion of the pulsar may be a massive white dwarf, a neutron star or a black hole ( some final systems may also consist of two black holes). A considerable fraction of the systems may also be disrupted in the second supernova explosion. We discuss the possible reasons why the observed numbers of double neutron stars and of systems like Cyg X-3 are several orders of magnitude lower than theoretically predicted. It is argued that the observed systems form the tip of an iceberg of much larger populations of unobserved systems, some of which may become observable in the future. As to the LMBP, we consider in some detail the origins of systems with orbital periods in the range 1–20 days. We show that to explain their existence, losses of orbital angular momentum (e.g., by magnetic braking) and in a number of cases: also of mass, have to be taken into account. The masses of the low-mass white dwarf companions in these systems can be predicted accurately. We notice a clear correlation between spin period and orbital period for these systems, as well as a clear correlation between pulsar magnetic field strength and orbital period. These relations strongly suggest that increased amounts of mass accreted by the neutron stars lead to increased decay of their magnetic fields: we suggest a simple way to understand the observed value of the ‘bottom’ field strengths of a few times 10⁸ G. Furthermore, we find that the LMBP-systems in which the pulsar has a strong magnetic field (> 10¹¹ G) have an about two orders of magnitude larger birth rate (i.e., about 4 × 10^-4 yr^-1 in the Galaxy) than the systems with millisecond pulsars (which have B < 10⁹ G). Using the observational fact that neutron stars receive a velocity kick of ∼450 km/s at birth, we find that some 90% of the potential progenitor systems of the strong-field LMBP must have been disrupted in the Supernovae in which their neutron stars were formed. Hence, the formation rate of the progenitors of the strong-field LMBP is of the same order as the galactic supernova rate (4 × 10^-3 yr^-1). This implies that a large fraction of all Supernovae take place in binaries with a close low-mass (< 2.3 M⊙) companion.     

Infrared contamination in Galactic X-ray novae

The most widely used means of measuring the mass of black holes in Galactic binaries – specifically the X-ray novae – involves both radial velocity measurements of the secondary star, and photometric measurements of its ellipsoidal variability. The latter is important in constraining the inclination and mass ratio, and requires as direct a measure of the flux of the secondary as possible. Up to now, such measurements have been preferentially carried out in the near-infrared (NIR:  1–2.5 μm  ), where the flux from the cooler secondary is expected to dominate over that from the accretion disc. However, here we present evidence of a significant non-stellar contribution to the NIR flux in many of those quiescent X-ray novae that are thought to contain a black hole primary. We discuss origins of this excess and the effect of such contamination on Galactic black hole mass measurements.     

Late stages of the evolution of close binaries

Close binaries can evolve through various ways of interaction into compact objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes). Massive binary systems (mass of the primaryM ₁ larger than 14 to 15M ₀) are expected to leave, after the first stage of mass transfer a compact component orbiting a massive star. These systems evolve during subsequent stages into massive X-ray binaries. Systems with initial large periode evolve into Be X-ray binaries.Low mass X-ray sources are probably descendants of lower mass stars, and various channels for their production are indicated. The evolution of massive close binaries is examined in detail and different X-ray stages are discussed. It is argued that a first X-ray stage is followed by a reverse extensive mass transfer, leading to systems like SS 433, Cir X1. During further evolution these systems would become Wolf-Rayet runaways. Due to spiral in these system would then further evolve into ultra short X-ray binaries like Cyg X-3.Finally the explosion of the secondary will in most cases disrupt the system. In an exceptional case the system remains bound, leading to binary pulsars like PSR 1913+16. In such systems the orbit will shrink due to gravitational radiation and finally the two neutron stars will coalesce. It is argued that the millisecond pulsar PSR 1937+214 could be formed in this way.A complete scheme starting from two massive ZAMS stars, ending with a millisecond pulsar is presented.Paper presented at the Lembang-Bamberg IAU Colloquium No. 80 on Double Stars: Physical Properties and Generic Relations, held at Bandung, Indonesia 3–7 June, 1983.