A Her X-1 Turn-On: Using the pulse profile to probe the outer edge of an accretion disk

Details A Her X-1 Turn-On: Using the pulse profile to probe the outer edge of an accretion disk A Her X-1 Turn-On: Using the pulse profile to probe the outer edge of an accretion disk

2002-03-13

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0203213v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

3 pages, 4 Figures, To appear in the Proceedings of the Symposium on `New Visions of the X-ray Universe in the XMM-Newton and

Scientific paper

The X-ray binary pulsar Her X-1 shows a wide variety of long and short term variabilities in the X-ray light curve. The 35 d variability of the source is interpreted as the influence of a warped, inclined, and twisted accretion disk periodically covering the line of sight to the central neutron star. In 1997 September we observed the ``turn-on'' of a 35 d cycle with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). Spectral analysis reveals that during early phases of the turn-on the overall spectrum is composed of X-rays scattered into the line of sight plus heavily absorbed X-rays. This interpretation is consistent with the variation of the pulse profile observed at the same time. The overall shape of the pulse profile is not changing, but towards earlier phases of the turn-on the pulse signature is steadily ``washed out''. This behavior can be understood as an influence of scattering and absorption due to the presence of the accretion disk rim. Using a Monte Carlo code we simulate the influence of both processes on a time variable, beamed emission characteristic, similar to the pulse profile of Her X-1. By comparing the results of the simulation with the observed profiles we determine the amount of scattered radiation, absorbed radiation, and the size of the scattering region.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

A Her X-1 Turn-On: Using the pulse profile to probe the outer edge of an accretion disk 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 A Her X-1 Turn-On: Using the pulse profile to probe the outer edge of an accretion disk, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Her X-1 Turn-On: Using the pulse profile to probe the outer edge of an accretion disk will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-252877