Supergiant X-ray binaries observed by Suzaku

A. Bodaghee, J. A. Tomsick, J. Rodriguez, S. Chaty, K. Pottschmidt, R. Walter, P. Romano

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Suzaku observations are presented for the high-mass X-ray binaries IGR J16207-5129 and IGR J17391-3021. For IGR J16207-5129, we provide the first X-ray broadband (0.5-60 keV) spectrum from which we confirm a large intrinsic column density (N H=1.6×10 23cm -2), and we constrain the cutoff energy for the first time (E cut = 19 keV). A prolonged (> 30 ks) attenuation of the X-ray flux was observed which we tentatively attribute to an eclipse of the probable neutron star by its massive companion, in a binary system with an orbital period between 4 and 9 days, and inclination angles > 50 degrees. For IGR J17391-3021, we witnessed a transition from quiescence to a low-activity phase punctuated by weak flares whose peak luminosities in the 0.5-10 keV band are only a factor of 5 times that of the pre-flare emission. These micro flares are accompanied by an increase in N H which suggests the accretion of obscuring clumps of wind. We now recognize that these low-activity epochs constitute the most common emission phase for this system, and perhaps in other supergiant fast X-ray transients (SFXTs) as well. We close with an overview of our upcoming program in which Suzaku will provide the first ever observation of an SFXT (IGR J16479-4514) during a binary orbit enabling us to probe the accretion wind at every phase.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSUZAKU 2011 - Exploring the X-Ray Universe
Subtitle of host publicationSuzaku and Beyond
Pages52-55
Number of pages4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 May 2012
Externally publishedYes
EventSuzaku 2011: Exploring the X-Ray Universe: Suzaku and Beyond - Palo Alto, CA, United States
Duration: 20 Jul 201122 Jul 2011

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1427
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

ConferenceSuzaku 2011: Exploring the X-Ray Universe: Suzaku and Beyond
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPalo Alto, CA
Period20/07/1122/07/11

Keywords

  • IGR J17391-3021 = XTE J1739-302)
  • X-rays: individual (IGR J16207-5129
  • X-rays:binaries
  • accretion, accretion disks
  • gamma-rays: general
  • stars: neutron
  • supergiants

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