Compton scattering as the explanation of the peculiar X-ray properties of Cyg X-3

Details Compton scattering as the explanation of the peculiar X-ray properties of Cyg X-3 Compton scattering as the explanation of the peculiar X-ray properties of Cyg X-3

2009-05-07

arxiv.org/abs/0905.1086v3

Mon.Not.Roy.Astron.Soc.402:767-775,2010

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena

MNRAS, the version as printed, the title and abstract changed

Scientific paper

10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.15942.x

We consider implications of a possible presence of a Thomson-thick, low-temperature, plasma cloud surrounding the compact object in the binary system Cyg X-3. The presence of such a cloud was earlier inferred from the energy-independent orbital modulation of the X-ray flux and the lack of high frequencies in its power spectra. Here, we study the effect of Compton scattering by the cloud on the X-ray energy and power spectra, concentrating on the hard spectral state. The process reduces the energy of the high-energy break/cut-off in the energy spectra, which allows us to determine the Thomson optical depth. This, together with the observed cut-off in the power spectrum, determines the size of the plasma to be 2x10^9 cm. At this size, the cloud will be in thermal equilibrium in the photon field of the X-ray source, which yields the cloud temperature of 3 keV, which refines the determination of the Thomson optical depth to 7. At these parameters, thermal bremsstrahlung emission of the cloud becomes important as well. The physical origin of the cloud is likely to be collision of the very strong stellar wind of the companion Wolf-Rayet star with a small accretion disc formed by the wind accretion. Our model thus explains the peculiar X-ray energy and power spectra of Cyg X-3.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Compton scattering as the explanation of the peculiar X-ray properties of Cyg X-3 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Compton scattering as the explanation of the peculiar X-ray properties of Cyg X-3, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Compton scattering as the explanation of the peculiar X-ray properties of Cyg X-3 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-456074