Download or read book A Study of X ray Luminosity Functions of Ultraluminous X ray Sources and the Properties of Their Host Galaxies written by 林隼成 and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Optical X ray Studies of Ultraluminous X ray Sources written by Jeanette Claire Gladstone and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ultraluminous X-ray Sources (ULXs) are point like X-ray sources situated external to the nucleus of their host galaxy, with inferred X-ray luminosities in excess of 10 {39} erg s {?1} . Although?rst observed? 30 years ago, these sources are yet to be fully understood. Some have suggested that these fascinating objects may contain intermediate mass black holes, whilst others have proposed they are stellar mass black holes residing in a new extreme accretion state. This thesis works towards the conclusion of this debate, by developing our understanding of these systems and their environments. This work begins with a photometric survey of the optical counterparts of ULXs. The main aim of this survey is to?nd plausible candidates to gain radial velocity measurements and therefore mass functions of these systems. However, the collation of this sample also provides the opportunity to classify the stellar objects held within these systems. From this work, we?nd seven good candidates for optical spectroscopic follow-up. Our results also show that many of our sample are consistent with OB type stars, while some contain later type bright giants/supergiants. Possibly our best chance to gain precise measurements of M_{BH}, and settling the debate over the nature of these systems, is by using radial velocity curves of their optical counterparts to calculate a mass function of ULXs. We are currently undertaking a programme to pursue mass function measurements for these systems. To date, we have received the pilot spectra of three optical counterparts. We discuss the progress of this programme to date and perform analysis on both the absorption/emission features and the continuum of these spectra. Initial analysis reveals the presence of the He ii 4686 A line in two of our pilot spectra. This line may be associated with the accretion disc of these systems, and could therefore be used in our pursuit of the mass function. We also?nd the presence of both low and high ionization lines, with some evidence for shock ionisation, and electron temperature of 7,000? 10,000 K. This Balmer decrement also indicates that the extinction can be highly variable across ULX?eld. This combination may suggest a?patchy? environment with separate shock and photoionisation emission regions. While the continuum emission of one of our sample can be explained by either the spectra of an OB star or of a standard accretion disc, the steep slopes of two of our sample indicates non-stellar origins that could represent the optical spectrum of a super-Eddington accretion disc. Finally, this work highlights the need for further observations of these sources in order to unlock their nature. We present results of X-ray spectral variability studies of the ULX population contained within NGC 4485 & 4490. We collate Chandra and XMM-Newton observations of the interacting galaxy pair, to analyse the emission from the six ULXs previously identified, and one additional source observed in the a recent exposure. This provides us with an opportunity to study variability on both short and longer time scales. The spectral variability is generally characterised by a hardening of the source spectra as their luminosities increase. The sources show a variety of long-term light curves; however, short-term (intra-observational) temporal variability is conspicuous by its absence. This survey also reveals the detection of a possible change in accretion state that could be used to gain crude mass estimates of the compact objects. Finally, we explore further the variability of these systems with the aid of two new proprietary observations. Finally, analysis of some of the best quality X-ray spectral data publicly available on these sources has provided the opportunity to explore the nature of these systems. We apply phenomenological models to characterise the spectra of these objects and more physically motivated models in order to explore the physical processes underlying these characteristics. Results show that the spectra of these sources are fundamentally different to that of Galactic X-ray binaries, whilst the application of physical models indicates a more extreme version of the highest known luminosity state, the very high state. We therefore speculate that in observing ULXs we are observing stellar mass black holes residing in a new?ultraluminous? state.
Download or read book Ultra luminous X ray Sources written by Jifeng Liu and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 676 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The X ray Background written by Xavier Barcons and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1992-07-31 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A review of the current observational knowledge and understanding of the cosmic X-ray background.
Download or read book Populations of High Energy Sources in Galaxies IAU S230 written by International Astronomical Union. Symposium and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2006-06-15 with total page 520 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For the last 40 years astronomers have observed sources of intense X-ray radiation from beyond our Solar System. These have been associated with remarkable objects, such as neutron stars and black holes. Current satellite observatories have enabled us to extend the studies of these objects from the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds to individual X-ray sources in other galaxies. At the same time, imaging facilities at gamma-rays and TeV energies have improved enormously, leading to many further discoveries within our own galaxy. This Symposium presents an overview of these new developments, covering detailed studies of individual sources within the Milky Way, global descriptions of X-ray source populations in other galaxies, and less resolved relatives at high redshift. Galaxy nuclei and diffuse emission components are included, as are new discoveries at gamma-rays and TeV energies. IAU S230 is a valuable resource for astronomers and graduates working in high-energy astrophysics.
Download or read book Spectral Analysis of Ultraluminous X ray Sources Using the Chandra Xray Observatory written by Akram Chandrajit Singha, A Senorita Devi and published by Sankalp Publication. This book was released on with total page 79 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a comprehensive introduction to the data analysis of ultraluminous X-ray sources. This book will provide the readers with a familiar environment in data analysis methods and the different software used in high energy astrophysical data analysis.
Download or read book Cosmological Aspects of X Ray Clusters of Galaxies written by W.C. Seitter and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 500 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The NATO Advanced Study Institute "Cosmological Aspects of X-Ray Clus ters of Galaxies" took place in Vel en , Westphalia, Germany, from June 6 to June 18, 1993. It addressed the fruitful union of two topics, cosmology and X-ray clus ters, both of which carry substantial scientific weight at the beginning of the last decenium of the last century in the second millenium of our era. The so far largest X-ray "All-Sky Survey", observed by the ROSAT X-ray satel lite, and ROSAT's deep pointed observations, have considerably enlarged the base of X-ray astronomy, particularly concerning extragalactic sources. Cosmology has gained significant impetus from the large optical direct and spectroscopic surveys, based on high quality 2-dimensional receivers at large telescopes and powerful scan ning devices, harvesting the full information 1 content from the older technique of employing photographic plates. Radioastronomy and IR-astronomy with IRAS, as well as r-astronomy with GRO, continue and strengthen the role of extragalactic research. The rapidly growing computer power in data reduction and data storage facilities support the evolution towards large-number statistics. A most significant push was given to early cosmology by the needs of physics in trying to unravel the nature of forces which govern our material world. The topic of the ASI was chosen because it opens new vistas on this for ever new problem: the universe. Clusters of galaxies probe large-scale matter distributions and the structure of space-time.
Download or read book Accretion Processes in Astrophysics written by Ignacio Gonzl̀ez Martn̕ez-Pas̕ and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2014-02-17 with total page 313 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It has been more than fifty years since the first significant paper on accretion flows was written. In recent years, X-ray satellites capable of identifying accretion disks and radiation jets - indications that accretion has taken place - have significantly advanced our understanding of these phenomena. This volume presents a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the major theoretical and observational topics associated with accretion processes in astrophysics. Comprising lectures presented at the twenty-first Winter School of the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics, the text emphasises the physical aspects of accretion, investigating how radiation jets are produced, how accretion power is divided between jets and radiated energy, the geometry of accretion flow, and the accretion processes of active galactic nuclei. Written by an international team of experienced scientists, chapters offer young researchers key analytical tools for supporting and carrying out the next generation of front-line research.
Download or read book NASA s Beyond Einstein Program written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2008-01-19 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Beyond Einstein science" is a term that applies to a set of new scientific challenges at the intersection of physics and astrophysics. Observations of the cosmos now have the potential to extend our basic physical laws beyond where 20th-century research left them. Such observations can provide stringent new tests of Einstein's general theory of relativity, indicate how to extend the Standard Model of elementary-particle physics, and-if direct measurements of gravitational waves were to be made-give astrophysics an entirely new way of observing the universe. In 2003, NASA, working with the astronomy and astrophysics communities, prepared a research roadmap entitled Beyond Einstein: From the Big Bang to Black Holes. This roadmap proposed that NASA undertake space missions in five areas in order to study dark energy, black holes, gravitational radiation, and the inflation of the early universe, to test Einstein's theory of gravitation. This study assesses the five proposed Beyond Einstein mission areas to determine potential scientific impact and technical readiness. Each mission is explored in great detail to aid decisions by NASA regarding both the ordering of the remaining missions and the investment strategy for future technology development within the Beyond Einstein Program.
Download or read book Xmm Newton Archival Study of the Ulx Population in Nearby Galaxies written by Nasa Technical Reports Server (Ntrs) and published by BiblioGov. This book was released on 2013-08 with total page 48 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We have conducted an archival XMM-Newton study of the bright X-ray point sources in 32 nearby galaxies. From our list of approximately 100 point sources, we attempt to determine if there is a low-state counterpart to the Ultraluminous X-ray (ULX) population. Indeed, 16 sources in our sample match the criteria we set for a low-state ULX, namely, L(sub X) greater than 10(exp 38 ergs per second) and a spectrum best fit with an absorbed power law. Further, we find evidence for 26 high-state ULXs which are best fit by a combined blackbody and a power law. As in Galactic black hole systems, the spectral indices, GAMMA, of the low-state objects, as well a s the luminosities, tend to be lower than those of the high-state objects. The observed range of blackbody temperatures is 0.1-1 keV with the most luminous systems tending toward the lowest temperatures. We also find a class of object whose properties (luminosity, blackbody temperature, and power law slopes) are very similar to those of galactic stellar mass black holes. In addition, we find a subset of these objects that can be best fit by a Comptonized spectrum similar to that used for Galactic black holes in the very high state, when they are radiating near the Eddington limit.
Download or read book Spectroscopy of Compact Extragalactic X ray Sources written by Stephen S. Holt and published by . This book was released on 1980 with total page 36 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Ultraluminous X ray Sources written by Andrew Sutton and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Timing Neutron Stars written by H. Ögelman and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 760 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The idea for organizing an Advanced Study Institute devoted largely to neutron star timing arose independently in three places, at Istanbul, Garching and Amster dam; when we became aware of each other's ideas we decided to join forces. The choice of a place for the Institute, in Turkey, appealed much to us all, and it was then quickly decided that Qe§me would be an excellent spot. When the preparations for the Institute started, early in 1987, we could not have guessed how timely the subject actually was. Of course, the recently dis covered QPO phenomena in accreting neutron stars and half a dozen binary and millisecond radio pulsars known at the time formed one of the basic motivations for organizing this Institute. But none of us could have guessed that later in 1987 we were to witness the wonderful discovery of the binary and millisecond radio pulsars in globular clusters and, -as if Nature wished to give us a special present for this the discovery in March 1988 of a millisecond pulsar in an eclipsing binary Institu- system, the first eclipsing radio pulsar ever found, and the second fastest in the sky! The discussion of this pulsar, its formation and fate was one of the highlights of this meeting, especially since its discoverers were among the participants of the Institute and could provide us with first-hand information.
Download or read book Exploring the X Ray Universe written by Philip A. Charles and published by CUP Archive. This book was released on 1995-10-12 with total page 420 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The one-stop general book on the whole of X-ray astronomy.
Download or read book Ultraluminous X ray Sources and Intermediate mass Black Holes written by David Cseh and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: More than ten years ago, the discovery of ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) has opened up an entirely new field in astrophysics. Many ideas were developed to explain the nature of these sources, like their emission mechanism, mass, and origin, without any strong conclusions. Their discovery boosted the fields of X-ray binaries, accretion physics, stellar evolution, cosmology, black hole formation and growth, due to the concept of intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs). Since their discovery is related to the domain of X-ray astrophysics, there have been very few 1 studies made in other wavelengths. This thesis focuses on the multiwavelength nature of ultraluminous X-ray sources and intermediate-mass black holes from various aspects, which help to overcome some difficulties we face today. First, I investigated the accretion signatures of a putative intermediate-mass black hole in a particular globular cluster. To this purpose, 1 I characterized the nature of the innermost X-ray sources in the cluster. Then I calculated an upper limit on the mass of the black hole by studying | possible accretion efficiencies and rates based on the dedicated X-ray and radio observations. The accreting properties of the source was described with standard spherical accretion and in the context of inefficient accretion. Secondly, I attempted to dynamically measure the mass of the black hole in a particular ULX via optical spectroscopy. I discovered that a certain emission line has a broad component that markedly shifts in wavelength. I investigated the possibility whether this line originates in the accretion disk, and thus might trace the orbital motion of the binary System. I also characterized the parameters of the binary system, such as the mass function, possible orbital separation, the size of the line emitting region, and an upper limit on the mass of the black hole. Then I studied the environment of a number of ULXs that are associated with large- scale optical and radio nebulae. 1 use these nebulae as a calorimeters to infer the total intrinsic power of these ULXs, characterize the feedback on the environment, and com- pare to Galactic sources. I I also investigated the power mechanism of inflating a bubble by jets. Then I discuss the current status of radio observations on ULXs, including ongoing radio surveys. Finally, I studied HLX-1, which is likely the first bona fide IMBH. This involves radio observations and analysis of the radio data that led to a discovery of radio flares from this source during an X-ray state transition. From the strength of the flares, I provided additional constraints on the mass of the black hole and its accretion rate.
Download or read book Fast Spectral Variability in the X ray Emission of Accreting Black Holes written by Chris Skipper and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-09-04 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This thesis brings together the various techniques of X-ray spectral analysis in order to examine the properties of black holes that vary in mass by several orders of magnitude. In all these systems it is widely accepted that the X-ray emission is produced by Compton up-scattering of lower energy seed photons in a hot corona or accretion flow, and here these processes are examined through a study of the X-ray spectral variability of each source. A new technique is introduced, in which models are fitted to over 2 million X-ray spectra on time-scales as short as 16 ms, and subsequently it is shown that the nature of the correlation between intensity and spectral index is strongly dependent upon the spectral state of the black hole. Finally, the results of an extensive survey of nearby galactic nuclei using the Chandra X-ray telescope are presented in the form of images and spectra, and these results are used along with data from the literature to search for Compton-thick nuclei.
Download or read book X ray and Infrared Diagnostics of Star Formation and Black Hole Accretion in Galaxies written by and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 414 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Using infrared and X-ray diagnostics, we study star--formation and black hole accretion in nearby and distant galaxies. We examine diagnostics of the hardness of the ionizing field in low--redshift starburst galaxies, to constrain the initial mass function. We obtain new measurements of HeI 1.7 micron/Br 10, a physically simple diagnostic, then test ISO mid--infrared line ratios, finding them reliable. Compared to new photoionization models, the ISO ratios in 27 nearby starburst galaxies are systematically low. This argues that solar--metallicity starbursts are deficient in massive stars, or that such stars are present but highly embedded. Using Spitzer, HST, Chandra, and ground-based data, we examine the multi-wavelength (0.4--24 micron) spectral energy distributions and X-ray properties of X-ray--selected active galactic nuclei (AGN) in several deep fields: the Chandra Deep Field South, the Lockman Hole, and the extended Groth Strip. We examine the 24 micron to X-ray flux and luminosity ratios for 157 AGN at z1̃; the luminosity ratios have not strongly evolved since z0̃, and we find no trend with X-ray column density. This means that highly--obscured AGN do not have exceptional infrared fluxes. We examine the SEDs of 45 bright X-ray and 24 micron sources: only 22% are classified as unobscured t̀̀ype 1'' AGN; 18% are classified as ULIRG-like SEDs; and the majority are classified as obscured (t̀̀ype 2'') AGN or spiral--like SEDs. This supports the picture from X-ray surveys that much of the AGN activity in the distant universe is significantly obscured. We examine why 20% of X-ray--selected AGN are optically--faint; they lie at significantly higher redshifts (median z=1.6) than most X-ray--selected AGN, and their spectra are intrinsically red. Their contribution to the X-ray Seyfert luminosity function is comparable to that of optically--bright AGN at z>1, but they do not significantly alter the redshift distribution. Lastly, we investigate why half of X-ray--selected AGN lack signs of accretion in optical spectra. We find that these ò̀ptically--dull'' AGN have Seyfert--like mid--infrared emission, which argues that they do not have abnormally--weak UV/optical continua. The axis ratios of their host galaxies argue that extinction by host galaxies plays a key role in hiding nuclear emission lines.
