Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2002-07-15
Astrophys.J. 580 (2002) 394-412
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
36 Pages, 9 Figures, 9 Tables, ApJ in press
Scientific paper
10.1086/343033
Using a consistent set of models, we parameterized the X-ray spectra of all accreting pulsars in the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer database which exhibit Cyclotron Resonance Scattering Features (CRSFs, or cyclotron lines). These sources in our sample are Her X-1, 4U 0115+63, Cen X-3, 4U 1626-67, XTE J1946-274, Vela X-1, 4U 1907+09, 4U 1538-52, GX 301-2, and 4U 0352+309 (X Per). We searched for correlations among the spectral parameters, concentrating on how the cyclotron line energy relates to the continuum and therefore how the neutron star B-field influences the X-Ray emission. As expected, we found a correlation between the CRSF energy and the spectral cutoff energy. However, with our consistent set of fits we found that the relationship is more complex than what has been reported previously. Also, we found that not only does the width of the cyclotron line correlate with the energy (as suggested by theory), but that the width scaled by the energy correlates with the depth of the feature. We discuss the implications of these results, including the possibility that accretion directly affects the relative alignment of the neutron star spin and dipole axes. Lastly, we comment on the current state of fitting phenomenological models to spectra in the RXTE/BeppoSAX era and the need for better theoretical models of the X-Ray continua of accreting pulsars.
Coburn Wayne
Gruber Duane E.
Heindl William A.
Kretschmar Peter
Kreykenbohm Ingo
No associations
LandOfFree
Magnetic Fields of Accreting X-Ray Pulsars with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer 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 Magnetic Fields of Accreting X-Ray Pulsars with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Magnetic Fields of Accreting X-Ray Pulsars with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-42441