Models of X-ray Photoionization in LMC X-4: Slices of a Stellar Wind

Details Models of X-ray Photoionization in LMC X-4: Slices of a Stellar Wind Models of X-ray Photoionization in LMC X-4: Slices of a Stellar Wind

1998-11-17

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9811267v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

56 pages, 12 figures, to be published in the Astrophysical Journal

Scientific paper

10.1086/307336

We show that the orbital variation in the UV P Cygni lines of the X-ray binary LMC X-4 results when X-rays photoionize nearly the entire region outside of the X-ray shadow of the normal star. We fit models to HST GHRS observations of N V and C IV P Cygni line profiles. Analytic methods assuming a spherically symmetric wind show that the wind velocity law is well-fit by v~(1-1/r)^beta, where beta is likely 1.4-1.6 and definitely <2.5. Escape probability models can fit the observed P Cygni profiles, and provide measurements of the stellar wind parameters. The fits determine Lx/Mdot=2.6+/-0.1 x10^43 erg/s/Msun yr, where Lx is the X-ray luminosity and Mdot is the mass-loss rate of the star. Allowing an inhomogeneous wind improves the fits. IUE spectra show greater P Cygni absorption during the second half of the orbit than during the first. We discuss possible causes of this effect.

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