Gravitational effects on the high energy emission of accreting black holes

Details Gravitational effects on the high energy emission of accreting black holes Gravitational effects on the high energy emission of accreting black holes

2006-03-28

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0603767v2

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

13 pages, 18 figures. Accepted for publication in A&A

Scientific paper

10.1051/0004-6361:20064973

We extend the investigation of general relativistic effects on the observed X-ray continuum of Kerr black holes in the context of the light bending model (Miniutti & Fabian, 2004). Assuming a ring-like illuminating source, co-rotating with the underlying accretion disk, we study the shape and normalisation of the primary and disc reflected continuum as well as the dependence of the observed spectrum on the line of sight for various source heights and radii. These calculations are performed using Monte-Carlo methods to compute the angle dependent reflection spectrum from the disc. The effects of general relativity are illustrated by a comparison with Newtonian and Special Relativity calculations. We find that relativistic distortions can strongly affect the shape of the reflected spectrum. Light bending can dramatically increase the observable reflected flux and reduce the primary emission. In addition, multiple reflections due to the reflected photons deflected toward the disc can alter significantly the shape of the spectrum above 10 keV. Large variations of the ring radius at constant height can lead to an (unobserved) anti-correlation between primary and reflected flux. In another side, the variability behaviour of several sources can be reproduced if the ring source radius is small (<5 r_g), and its height varies by a large factor. In particular, a non-linear flux-flux relation, similar to that observed in several sources, can be produced. We compare our model with the flux-flux plot of NGC4051, and find an agreement for low inclination angles (<20 deg.), ring source radius <3 r_g and a height varying between 0.5 to 10 r_g.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Gravitational effects on the high energy emission of accreting black holes 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 Gravitational effects on the high energy emission of accreting black holes, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Gravitational effects on the high energy emission of accreting black holes will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-462847