Showing 1–50 of 262 results for author: Zhang, S N

Constraining the Neutron-Star Equation of State via Short Gamma-Ray Burst X-ray Afterglows

Authors: R. Moradi, Y. Wang, F. Rastegarnia, E. S. Yorgancioglu, Shu-Xu Yi, B. Eslam Panah, S. N. Zhang

Abstract: Recent observations from NICER in X-rays and LIGO/Virgo in gravitational waves have provided critical constraints on the mass, radius, and tidal deformability of neutron stars, imposing stringent limits on the equation of state (EOS) and the behavior of ultra-dense matter. However, several key parameters influencing the EOS, such as the maximum mass of neutron stars, spin-down rates, and the poten… ▽ More Recent observations from NICER in X-rays and LIGO/Virgo in gravitational waves have provided critical constraints on the mass, radius, and tidal deformability of neutron stars, imposing stringent limits on the equation of state (EOS) and the behavior of ultra-dense matter. However, several key parameters influencing the EOS, such as the maximum mass of neutron stars, spin-down rates, and the potential role of exotic matter in their cores, remain subject of ongoing debate. Here we present a new approach to constraining the EOS by analyzing the X-ray afterglows of some short gamma-ray bursts, focusing on "the internal plateau" phase and its abrupt decay, which reflect the spin-down and possible collapse of a supra-massive neutron star into a black hole. By linking critical neutron star masses with black hole formation criteria and the observational data from Swift's BAT and XRT instruments with compact object models, we explore three representative EOSs that range from "soft" to "stiff". Our result supports a maximum mass for neutron stars of approximately 2.39 solar masses at the threshold of black hole formation. This conclusion holds under assumptions of magnetar-powered X-ray plateaus, constant radiative efficiency, isotropic emission, and full Kerr black hole energy extraction; deviations could influence the inferred results. Our results demonstrate the critical role of neutron star/black hole physics in probing dense nuclear matter and provide a novel framework for exploring extreme astrophysical environments. △ Less

Submitted 2 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal (ApJ)

JWST reveals a supernova following a gamma-ray burst at z $\simeq$ 7.3

Authors: A. J. Levan, B. Schneider, E. Le Floc'h, G. Brammer, N. R. Tanvir, D. B. Malesani, A. Martin-Carrillo, A. Rossi, A. Saccardi, A. Sneppen, S. D. Vergani, J. An, J. -L. Atteia, F. E. Bauer, V. Buat, S. Campana, A. Chrimes, B. Cordier, L. Cotter, F. Daigne, V. D'Elia, M. De Pasquale, A. de Ugarte Postigo, G. Corcoran, R. A. J. Eyles-Ferris , et al. (28 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The majority of energetic long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are thought to arise from the collapse of massive stars, making them powerful tracers of star formation across cosmic time. Evidence for this origin comes from the presence of supernovae in the aftermath of the GRB event, whose properties in turn link back to those of the collapsing star. In principle, with GRBs we can study the prope… ▽ More The majority of energetic long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are thought to arise from the collapse of massive stars, making them powerful tracers of star formation across cosmic time. Evidence for this origin comes from the presence of supernovae in the aftermath of the GRB event, whose properties in turn link back to those of the collapsing star. In principle, with GRBs we can study the properties of individual stars in the distant universe. Here, we present JWST/NIRCAM observations that detect both the host galaxy and likely supernova in the SVOM GRB 250314A with a spectroscopically measured redshift of z $\simeq$ 7.3, deep in the era of reionisation. The data are well described by a combination of faint blue host, similar to many z $\sim$ 7 galaxies, with a supernova of similar luminosity to the proto-type GRB supernova, SN 1998bw. Although larger galaxy contributions cannot be robustly excluded, given the evidence from the blue afterglow colours of low dust extinction, supernovae much brighter than SN 1998bw can be. These observations suggest that, despite disparate physical conditions, the star that created GRB 250314A was similar to GRB progenitors in the local universe. △ Less

Submitted 24 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 7 pages, 5 Figures, 1 Table, submitted to A&AL

SVOM GRB 250314A at z $\simeq$ 7.3: an exploding star in the era of reionization

Authors: B. Cordier, J. Y. Wei, N. R. Tanvir, S. D. Vergani, D. B. Malesani, J. P. U. Fynbo, A. de Ugarte Postigo, A. Saccardi, F. Daigne, J. -L. Atteia, O. Godet, D. Gotz, Y. L. Qiu, S. Schanne, L. P. Xin, B. Zhang, S. N. Zhang, A. J. Nayana, L. Piro, B. Schneider, A. J. Levan, A. L. Thakur, Z. P. Zhu, G. Corcoran, N. A. Rakotondrainibe , et al. (81 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Most long Gamma-ray bursts originate from a rare type of massive stellar explosion. Their afterglows, while rapidly fading, can be initially extremely luminous at optical/near-infrared wavelengths, making them detectable at large cosmological distances. Here we report the detection and observations of GRB 250314A by the SVOM satellite and the subsequent follow-up campaign with the near-infrared af… ▽ More Most long Gamma-ray bursts originate from a rare type of massive stellar explosion. Their afterglows, while rapidly fading, can be initially extremely luminous at optical/near-infrared wavelengths, making them detectable at large cosmological distances. Here we report the detection and observations of GRB 250314A by the SVOM satellite and the subsequent follow-up campaign with the near-infrared afterglow discovery and the spectroscopic measurements of its redshift z $\simeq$ 7.3 . This burst happened when the Universe was only $\sim$ 5% of its current age. We discuss the signature of these rare events within the context of the SVOM operating model, and the ways to optimize their identification with adapted ground follow-up observation strategies. △ Less

Submitted 24 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 12 pages, 11 Figures, 5 Tables, submitted to A&AL

Einstein Probe Discovery of EP J182730.0-095633: A New Black Hole X-ray Binary Candidate in Faint Outburst?

Authors: Huaqing Cheng, Qingchang Zhao, L. Tao, H. Feng, F. Coti Zelati, H. W. Pan, A. L. Wang, Y. N. Wang, M. Y. Ge, A. Rau, A. Marino, L. Zhang, W. J. Zhang, F. Carotenuto, L. Ji, C. C. Jin, D. Y. Li, B. F. Liu, Y. Liu, E. L. Qiao, N. Rea, R. Soria, S. Wang, Z. Yan, W. Yuan , et al. (56 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Black hole X-ray binaries (candidates) currently identified in our galaxy are mainly transient sources, with the majority discovered through the detection of their X-ray outbursts. Among these, only four were found during faint outbursts exhibiting peak X-ray luminosities $L_{\rm X}\lesssim10^{36}~{\rm erg~s^{-1}}$, likely due to the previous lack of sensitive, wide-field monitoring instruments in… ▽ More Black hole X-ray binaries (candidates) currently identified in our galaxy are mainly transient sources, with the majority discovered through the detection of their X-ray outbursts. Among these, only four were found during faint outbursts exhibiting peak X-ray luminosities $L_{\rm X}\lesssim10^{36}~{\rm erg~s^{-1}}$, likely due to the previous lack of sensitive, wide-field monitoring instruments in the X-ray band. In this Letter, we present the discovery of an intriguing X-ray transient, EP J182730.0-095633, via the Einstein Probe (EP) and subsequent multi-wavelength follow-up studies. This transient, located on the Galactic plane, experienced a faint and brief X-ray outburst lasting about 20 days. Its X-ray spectrum is non-thermal and consistent with a power-law model with a nearly constant photon index of $Γ\sim2$ throughout the outburst. A long-lasting millihertz quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) signal was detected in its X-ray light curve, centered around a frequency of $\sim0.04$ Hz. A transient near-infrared source was identified as its counterpart, although no optical emission was detectable, likely due to significant extinction. A radio counterpart was also observed, displaying an inverted radio spectrum with $α\sim0.45$. The X-ray spectral and temporal characteristics, along with the multi-wavelength properties, indicate that the source is a faint low-mass X-ray binary, with the compact object likely being a black hole. This work demonstrates the potential of the EP in discovering new X-ray binaries by capturing faint-level X-ray outbursts. △ Less

Submitted 17 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 22 pages, 5 figures (plus 3 in appendix), 3 tables in appendix. Accepted for publication in ApJ Letters

A search for periodic activity in multi-peaked long gamma-ray bursts

Authors: C. Guidorzi, M. Orlandini, R. Maccary, L. Amati, L. Bazzanini, M. Bulla, L. Ferro, F. Frontera, M. Maistrello, W. -J. Tan, A. Tsvetkova, S. L. Xiong, S. N. Zhang

Abstract: A sizeable fraction of gamma-ray burst (GRB) light curves (LCs) features a sequence of peaks, which holds information on the unknown way energy is dissipated into gamma-rays over time. Traditional searches for periodic signals in GRB LCs turned out to be inconclusive, partly because they are challenging as a consequence of the short-lived, coloured-noise, and non-stationary nature of the LCs thems… ▽ More A sizeable fraction of gamma-ray burst (GRB) light curves (LCs) features a sequence of peaks, which holds information on the unknown way energy is dissipated into gamma-rays over time. Traditional searches for periodic signals in GRB LCs turned out to be inconclusive, partly because they are challenging as a consequence of the short-lived, coloured-noise, and non-stationary nature of the LCs themselves. Yet, recent claims have revived the issue. We searched for periodic components in GRB LCs through a new approach to GRBs, that avoids most of the issues faced by traditional techniques. We identified peaks through a well tested algorithm and selected GRBs with at least 10 peaks out of 5 GRB catalogues (Swift/BAT, CGRO/BATSE, Fermi/GBM, Insight-HXMT, BeppoSAX/GRBM). Each GRB was simply treated as a discrete point process, whose realisation coincides with the sequence of peak times. We searched for possible periodic recurrences based on the multinomial distribution, after accounting for the clustering of peaks due to the non-stationarity of the GRB signals. The best candidate has a p-value of 3e-4 that there is no periodic recurrence. However, accounting for the multiple trials of 555 searched GRBs, its statistical significance is demoted to 17%. The overall distribution of the p-values obtained for all GRBs is compatible with a uniform distribution in [0,1]. We found no robust evidence for multi-peaked GRBs with periodic recurrences. We can exclude that a sizeable fraction (>~ 0.75) of peaks of each GRB with at least 10 peaks are periodic. While our result does not necessarily clash with claimed periodicities based on Fourier techniques, it constrains the putative recurrent behaviour, which would not manifest itself through the sequence of peaks, but, evidently, in a more elusive way. △ Less

Submitted 21 April, 2025; v1 submitted 10 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 13 pages, 6 figures, A&A accepted, minor rewording

Journal ref: A&A 697, A228 (2025)

New insight into the hard X-ray emission influenced by the type-\uppercase\expandafter{\romannumeral1} bursts observed by Insight-HXMT during outburst of 4U 1636--536

Authors: J. Q. Peng, S. Zhang, Y. P. Chen, L. D. Kong, P. J. Wang, S. N. Zhang, Q. C. Shui, L. Ji, G. B. Zhang, Z. Yan, L. Tao, J. L. Qu, M. Y. Ge, Z. L. Yu, J. Li, Z. Chang, Z. S. Li, P. Zhang, Y. X. Xiao, S. J. Zhao

Abstract: By analyzing the data from Insight-HXMT and NICER, we can determine the evolution of the significance of the hard shortage in 4U 1636--536 with its spectral state, as well as the evolution of the fraction of deficit with energy. Additionally, we investigate the possible geometry and evolution of the corona in 4U 1636-536 by combining our findings with the results of spectral analysis. We find that… ▽ More By analyzing the data from Insight-HXMT and NICER, we can determine the evolution of the significance of the hard shortage in 4U 1636--536 with its spectral state, as well as the evolution of the fraction of deficit with energy. Additionally, we investigate the possible geometry and evolution of the corona in 4U 1636-536 by combining our findings with the results of spectral analysis. We find that during the soft state, the significance of possible hard X-ray shortage in bursts is almost zero. However, in the hard state, some bursts exhibit significant shortages (>3 $σ$), while others do not. We attempt to establish a correlation between the significance of the hard X-ray shortage and the spectral parameters, but the data quality and the limited number of bursts prevent us from finding a strong correlation. For bursts with insignificant shortages in the soft state, their fraction of the deficit remains small. However, in the hard state, the fraction of deficit for all bursts increases with energy, regardless of the significance of the shortage of individual bursts. For bursts during the hard state, we investigate the evolution of the fraction of deficit during the bursts by stacking the peaks and decays of the bursts, respectively, and find that as the flux of the bursts decreases, the energy corresponding to the maximum of the fraction of deficit becomes progressively higher. We explore the possible geometry and evolution of the corona clued by the evolution of the fraction of deficit, which is obtained from the spectral and temporal analysis. △ Less

Submitted 4 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 11 pages, 8 figures, 2 tables, Published in A&A

Journal ref: Astronomy & Astrophysics, Volume 685, id.A71, 11 pp.2024

Insight-HXMT observations on thermonuclear X-ray bursts from 4U~1608--52 in the low/hard state: the energy-dependant hard X-ray deficit and cooling saturation of the corona

Authors: Y. P. Chen, S. Zhang, L. Ji, S. N. Zhang, J. Q. Peng, L. D. Kong, Z. Chang, Q. C. Shui, L. Tao, J. L. Qu, M. Y. Ge, J. Li

Abstract: During thermonuclear bursts, it is suspected that {\bf the cooling of the corona by the burst emission} may be the cause of hard X-ray {\bf deficits}. Although this {\bf deficit} has been observed in nine sources, it has not been observed {\bf from} 4U~1608--52, a nearby prolific burster. Therefore, the authenticity and universality of the hard X-ray {\bf deficit} may be in question. To investig… ▽ More During thermonuclear bursts, it is suspected that {\bf the cooling of the corona by the burst emission} may be the cause of hard X-ray {\bf deficits}. Although this {\bf deficit} has been observed in nine sources, it has not been observed {\bf from} 4U~1608--52, a nearby prolific burster. Therefore, the authenticity and universality of the hard X-ray {\bf deficit} may be in question. To investigate this suspicion, Insight-HXMT performed cadence observations during the low/hard state of 4U~1608--52 in September 2022 and detected 10 thermonuclear X-ray bursts. Two of these bursts show a double-peaked structure in the soft X-ray band, which could be caused by the high temperature of the burst emission and a marginal photospheric radius expansion (PRE) around the burst peak time. This is indicated by their peak fluxes being up to the Eddington limit and having a large color factor at the peak of the bursts. The hard X-ray deficit is significantly observed during bursts at $>$ 30 keV. Furthermore, the fraction of this deficit shows saturation at 50\% for the first 8 bursts. This saturation may indicate that the corona is layered and only a part of the corona is cooled by the bursts. For example, the part close to the NS surface is cooled while the rest remains intact during bursts. This result provides a clue to the geometry of the corona, e.g., a possible scenario is that the corona has two forms: a quasi-spheric corona between the NS and the disk, and a disk-corona on both surfaces of the disk. △ Less

Submitted 26 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: 2024, MNRAS, 531, 1756

Journal ref: 2024, MNRAS, 531, 1756

New insight into the Rapid Burster by Insight-HXMT

Authors: Y. P. Chen, S. Zhang, S. N. Zhang, L. Ji, L. D. Kong, P. J. Wang, L. Tao, M. Y. Ge, C. Z. Liu, F. J. Lu, J. L. Qu, T. P. Li, Y. P. Xu, X. L. Cao, Y. Chen, Q. C. Bu, C. Cai, Z. Chang, G. Chen, L. Chen, T. X. Chen, W. W. Cui, Y. Y. Du, G. H. Gao, H. Gao , et al. (70 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the timing and spectral analyses upon of the type II X-ray bursts from the Rapid Burster (MXB 1730--335) observed by Insight-HXMT and Swift/XRT. By stacking the long-duration bursts, we find for the first time that the hard X-rays are lagging than the soft X-rays by 3 seconds. However, such a lag is not visible for the short-duration bursts, probably because of the poor statistics. For a… ▽ More We report the timing and spectral analyses upon of the type II X-ray bursts from the Rapid Burster (MXB 1730--335) observed by Insight-HXMT and Swift/XRT. By stacking the long-duration bursts, we find for the first time that the hard X-rays are lagging than the soft X-rays by 3 seconds. However, such a lag is not visible for the short-duration bursts, probably because of the poor statistics. For all bursts the energy spectrum is found to be non-thermal, thanks to the broad band coverage of Insight-HXMT. These findings put new insights into the type-II bursts and require a temporally showing-up corona for possible interpretation. △ Less

Submitted 21 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Journal ref: 2021,ApJ,913,150

A possible overall scenario for the outburst evolution of MAXI J1820+070 revealed by Insight-HXMT

Authors: J. Q. Peng, S. Zhang, Y. P. Chen, L. D. Kong, P. J. Wang, S. N. Zhang, L. Ji, L. Tao, J. L. Qu, M. Y. Ge, Q. C. Shui, J. Li, Z. Chang, Z. S. Li, Y. X. Xiao

Abstract: We study the spectral and temporal properties of the black hole X-ray transient binary MAXI J1820+070 during the 2018 outburst with Insight-HXMT observations. The outburst of MAXI J1820+070 can be divided into three intervals. For the two intervals of the outburst, we find that low-energy (below 140 keV) photos lag high-energy (140-170 keV) ones, while in the decay of the outburst, high-energy pho… ▽ More We study the spectral and temporal properties of the black hole X-ray transient binary MAXI J1820+070 during the 2018 outburst with Insight-HXMT observations. The outburst of MAXI J1820+070 can be divided into three intervals. For the two intervals of the outburst, we find that low-energy (below 140 keV) photos lag high-energy (140-170 keV) ones, while in the decay of the outburst, high-energy photons lag low-energy photons, both with a time scale of the order of days. Based on these results, the canonical hysteresis effect of the 'q' shape in the hardness-intensity diagram can be reformed into a roughly linear shape by taking into account the lag corrections between different energy bands. Time analysis shows that the high-frequency break of hard X-rays, derived from the power density spectrum of the first interval of the outburst is, in general, larger and more variable than that of soft X-rays. The spectral fitting shows that the coverage fraction of the hard X-rays drops sharply at the beginning of the outburst to around 0.5, then increases slightly. The coverage fraction drops to roughly zero once the source steps into a soft state and increases gradually to unity when the source returns to a low hard state. We discuss the possible overall evolution scenario of corona hinted from these discoveries. △ Less

Submitted 20 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: 9 pages,10 figures. Published in MNRAS

Journal ref: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Volume 518, Issue 2, pp.2521-2528. January 2023

Continuous evolution of the polarization properties in the transient X-ray pulsar RX J0440.9+4431/LS V +44 17

Authors: Q. C. Zhao, L. Tao, S. Sergey Tsygankov, A. Alexander Mushtukov, H. Feng, M. Y. Ge, H. C. Li, S. N. Zhang, L. Zhang

Abstract: We present a detailed time-resolved and phase-resolved polarimetric analysis of the transient X-ray pulsar RX J0440.9+4431/LS V +44 17, using data from the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) during the 2023 giant outburst. We conducted a time-resolved analysis by dividing the data into several intervals for each observation. This analysis reveals a continuous rotation of the phase-averaged… ▽ More We present a detailed time-resolved and phase-resolved polarimetric analysis of the transient X-ray pulsar RX J0440.9+4431/LS V +44 17, using data from the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) during the 2023 giant outburst. We conducted a time-resolved analysis by dividing the data into several intervals for each observation. This analysis reveals a continuous rotation of the phase-averaged polarization angle (PA) across the observations performed during the super-critical and sub-critical regimes. To investigate the origin of the PA rotation, we performed a pulse phase-resolved polarimetric analysis over four time intervals, each spanning approximately three days. Applying the rotating vector model (RVM), the geometric parameters of the system were determined for each interval. Despite the short time gap of just $\sim$ 20 days, we observed significant variation in the RVM parameters between the first interval and the subsequent three, indicating the presence of an additional polarized component alongside the RVM component. Using a two-polarized component model with the assumption that this additional component remains constant across pulse phases, we calculated the phase-averaged PA and polarized flux of both the variable and constant components. The phase-averaged PA of each component remained relatively stable over time, but the polarized flux of the constant component decreased, while that of the variable component increased. The observed rotation of the PA is attributed to the gradual shift in the polarized flux ratio between the two components and is not directly related to the different accretion regimes. △ Less

Submitted 20 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: Acceptance for publication in A&A

estimating the spin of MAXI J1348--630 from intermediate and soft states using \textit{Insight}-HXMT data

Authors: J. Guan, R. C. Ma, L. Tao, A. C. Fabian, J. A. Tomsick, S. N. Zhang, L. Zhang, J. L. Qu, S. Zhang

Abstract: We present a broadband spectral analysis of the soft-intermediate and soft states using \textit{Insight}-HXMT observations of the black hole binary MAXI J1348--630 during its outburst in 2019. We employ a combination of reflection and continuum fitting methods to measure the spin of the black hole and determine a spin of $a=0.79\pm0.13$, which is consistent with most of the previous results. Addit… ▽ More We present a broadband spectral analysis of the soft-intermediate and soft states using \textit{Insight}-HXMT observations of the black hole binary MAXI J1348--630 during its outburst in 2019. We employ a combination of reflection and continuum fitting methods to measure the spin of the black hole and determine a spin of $a=0.79\pm0.13$, which is consistent with most of the previous results. Additionally, we investigate some sources of systematic uncertainty that could bias the measurement. The valid spectral hardening factor can partially account for the spin evolution observed during the outburst. Other potential factors, such as assumptions about the corona's structure and their interaction with reflected photons, can also affect the accuracy of spin measurements. Furthermore, our analysis reveals that MAXI J1348--630 exhibits a significantly high disc density ($\sim10^{22}\,\rm{cm}^{-3}$), with a moderate iron abundance of approximately 2.5 times solar. △ Less

Submitted 29 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: 10 pages, 6 figures, 3 tables

A Revised Spin of the Black Hole in GRS 1716-249 with a New Distance

Authors: S. J. Zhao, L. Tao, Q. Q. Yin, S. N. Zhang, R. C. Ma, P. P. Li, Q. C. Zhao, M. Y. Ge, L. Zhang, J. L. Qu, S. Zhang, X. Ma, Y. Huang, J. Q. Peng, Y. X. Xiao

Abstract: GRS 1716-249 is a stellar-mass black hole in a low-mass X-ray binary that underwent a gaint outburst in 2016/17. In this paper we use simultaneous observations of Insight-HXMT and NuSTAR to determine its basic parameters. The observations were performed during the softest part of the outburst, and the spectra show clear thermal disk emission and reflection features. We have fitted the X-ray energy… ▽ More GRS 1716-249 is a stellar-mass black hole in a low-mass X-ray binary that underwent a gaint outburst in 2016/17. In this paper we use simultaneous observations of Insight-HXMT and NuSTAR to determine its basic parameters. The observations were performed during the softest part of the outburst, and the spectra show clear thermal disk emission and reflection features. We have fitted the X-ray energy spectra using the joint fitting method of the continuum and reflection components with the kerrbb2+ relxill model. Since there is a possibility that the distance to this source was previously underestimated, we use the latest distance parameter of 6.9 kpc in our study, in contrast to previous work in which the distance was set at 2.4 kpc. Through spectral fitting of fixing black hole mass at 6.4 $M_{\rm \odot}$, we observe a strong dependence of the derived spin on the distance: $a_{*}=0.972_{-0.005}^{+0.004}$ at an assumed distance of 2.4 kpc and $a_{*}=0.464_{-0.007}^{+0.016}$ at an assumed distance of 6.9 kpc, at a confidence level of 90%. If considering the uncertainties in the distance and black hole mass, there will be a wider range of spin with $a_{*}$ < 0.78. The fitting results with the new distance indicate that GRS 1716-249 harbors a moderate spin black hole with an inclined ($i\sim 40-50^{\circ}$) accretion disk around it. Additionally, we have also found that solely using the method of the reflection component fitting but ignoring the constraints on the spin from the accretion disk component will result in an extremely high spin. △ Less

Submitted 18 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Journal ref: A&A 691, A192 (2024)

Broad-band X-ray spectral and timing properties of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J17498$-$2921 during the 2023 outburst

Authors: Zhaosheng Li, L. Kuiper, Y. Y. Pan, M. Falanga, J. Poutanen, Y. P. Chen, R. X. Xu, M. Y. Ge, Y. Huang, L. M. Song, S. Zhang, F. J. Lu, S. N. Zhang

Abstract: We report on the broadband spectral and timing properties of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J17498$-$2921 during its April 2023 outburst using data from NICER (1$-$10 keV), NuSTAR (3$-$79 keV), Insight-HXMT (2$-$150 keV), and INTEGRAL (30$-$150 keV). We detect significant 401 Hz pulsations across the 0.5$-$150 keV band. The pulse fraction increases from $\sim$2% at 1 keV to $\sim$13% a… ▽ More We report on the broadband spectral and timing properties of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J17498$-$2921 during its April 2023 outburst using data from NICER (1$-$10 keV), NuSTAR (3$-$79 keV), Insight-HXMT (2$-$150 keV), and INTEGRAL (30$-$150 keV). We detect significant 401 Hz pulsations across the 0.5$-$150 keV band. The pulse fraction increases from $\sim$2% at 1 keV to $\sim$13% at 66 keV. Five type-I X-ray bursts have been detected, including three photospheric radius expansion bursts, with a rise time of $\sim$2 s and an exponential decay time of $\sim$5 s. The recurrence time is $\sim$9.1 h, which can be explained by unstable thermonuclear burning of hydrogen-deficient material on the neutron star surface. The quasi-simultaneous 1$-$150 keV broadband spectra from NICER, NuSTAR, and INTEGRAL can be well fitted by an absorbed reflection model, relxillCp, and a Gaussian line of instrumental origin. The Comptonized emission from the hot corona is characterized by a photon index $Γ$ of $\sim$1.8 and an electron temperature $kT_{\rm e}$ of $\sim$40 keV. We obtain a low inclination angle $i\sim34^{\circ}$. The accretion disk shows properties of strong ionization, $\log(ξ/{\rm erg~cm~s^{-1}})\sim4.5$, over-solar abundance, $A_{\rm Fe}\sim 7.7$, and high density, $\log(n_{\rm e}/{\rm cm^{-3}})\sim 19.5$. However, a lower disk density with normal abundance and ionization could also be possible. From the inner disk radius $R_{\rm in}=1.67R_{\rm ISCO}$ and the long-term spin-down rate of $-3.1(2)\times10^{-15}~{\rm Hz~s^{-1}}$, we constrain the magnetic field of IGR J17498$-$2921 in the range of $(0.9-2.4)\times10^8$ G. △ Less

Submitted 5 November, 2024; v1 submitted 22 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: Published in A&A

Journal ref: A&A 691, A92 (2024)

Distribution of number of peaks within a long gamma-ray burst

Authors: C. Guidorzi, M. Sartori, R. Maccary, A. Tsvetkova, L. Amati, L. Bazzanini, M. Bulla, A. E. Camisasca, L. Ferro, F. Frontera, C. K. Li, S. L. Xiong, S. N. Zhang

Abstract: The variety of long duration gamma-ray burst (LGRB) light curves (LCs) encode a wealth of information on how LGRB engines release energy following the collapse of the progenitor star. Attempts to characterise GRB LCs focused on a number of properties, such as the minimum variability timescale, power density spectra (both ensemble average and individual), or with different definitions of variabilit… ▽ More The variety of long duration gamma-ray burst (LGRB) light curves (LCs) encode a wealth of information on how LGRB engines release energy following the collapse of the progenitor star. Attempts to characterise GRB LCs focused on a number of properties, such as the minimum variability timescale, power density spectra (both ensemble average and individual), or with different definitions of variability. In parallel, a characterisation as a stochastic process was pursued by studying the distributions of waiting times, peak flux, fluence of individual peaks within GRB time profiles. Yet, the question remains as to whether the diversity of profiles can be described in terms of a common stochastic process. Here we address this issue by studying for the first time the distribution of the number of peaks in a GRB profile. We used four different GRB catalogues: CGRO/BATSE, Swift/BAT, BeppoSAX/GRBM, and Insight-HXMT. The statistically significant peaks were identified by means of well tested algorithm MEPSA and further selected by applying a set of thresholds on signal-to-noise ratio. We then extracted the corresponding distributions of number of peaks per GRB. Among the different models considered (power-law, simple or stretched exponential) only a mixture of two exponentials models all the observed distributions, suggesting the existence of two distinct behaviours: (i) an average number of 2.1+-0.1 peaks per GRB ("peak poor") and accounting for about 80% of the observed population of GRBs; (ii) an average number of 8.3+-1.0 peaks per GRB ("peak rich") and accounting for the remaining 20% of the observed population. We associate the class of peak-rich GRBs with the presence of sub-second variability, which seems to be absent among peak-poor GRBs. The two classes could result from two different regimes through which GRB engines release energy or through which energy is dissipated into gamma-rays. △ Less

Submitted 27 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Comments: 7 pages, 5 figures, accepted by A&A

Journal ref: A&A 685, A34 (2024)

Broadband noise and quasi-periodic oscillation characteristics of the X-ray pulsar RX J0440.9+4431

Authors: P. P. Li, L. Tao, R. C. Ma, M. Y. Ge, Q. C. Zhao, S. J. Zhao, L. Zhang, Q. C. Bu, L. D. Kong, Y. L. Tuo, L. Ji, S. Zhang, J. L. Qu, S. N. Zhang, Y. Huang, X. Ma, W. T. Ye, Q. C. Shui

Abstract: We present a comprehensive timing analysis on the Be/X-ray binary pulsar RX J0440.9+4431 using observations from \textit{NICER} and \textit{Insight}-HXMT during the 2022--2023 outburst. The power density spectrum (PDS) of RX J0440.9+4431 exhibits typical aperiodic variability in X-ray flux across a wide frequency range. During a super-critical accretion state, we detect quasi-periodic oscillations… ▽ More We present a comprehensive timing analysis on the Be/X-ray binary pulsar RX J0440.9+4431 using observations from \textit{NICER} and \textit{Insight}-HXMT during the 2022--2023 outburst. The power density spectrum (PDS) of RX J0440.9+4431 exhibits typical aperiodic variability in X-ray flux across a wide frequency range. During a super-critical accretion state, we detect quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) at 0.2--0.5\,Hz in the light curves of five pulses for RX J0440.9+4431. The observed QPOs manifest during flares, while the flares appear at the peaks of the pulse profiles on a timescale of seconds and are primarily caused by an increase in hard photons. These flares can be explained by increased material ingestion in the accretion column at a fixed phase, primarily generating hard photons. Alternatively, an increase in accretion rate, independent of phase, may result in highly beamed hard photons within the accretion column, causing the flares. We argue the origin of QPOs to instabilities within the accretion flow. Additionally, we find that the break frequencies in the noise power spectra align well with $\propto L_{\mathrm{x}}^{3 / 7}$ across three orders of magnitude in the luminosity, which points to a relatively strong magnetic field in RX J0440.9+4431, estimated to be \textasciitilde$10^{13}$\,G. △ Less

Submitted 21 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Comments: 8 pages, 7 figures. Accepted in MNRAS

Pulsed Iron line Emission from the First Galactic Ultraluminous X-ray Pulsar Swift J0243.6+6124

Authors: Y. X. Xiao, Y. J. Xu, M. Y. Ge, F. J. Lu, S. N. Zhang, S. Zhang, L. Tao, J. L. Qu, P. J. Wang, L. D. Kong, Y. L. Tuo, Y. You, S. J. Zhao, J. Q. Peng, Y. F. Du, Y. H. Zhang, W. T. Ye

Abstract: We report the phase-resolved spectral results of the first Galactic Pulsating Ultra-Luminous X-ray source (PULX) Swift J0243.6+6124, modeling at its 2017-2018 outburst peak using data collected by the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT). The broad energy coverage of Insight-HXMT allows us to obtain more accurate spectral continuum to reduce the coupling of broad iron line profiles with… ▽ More We report the phase-resolved spectral results of the first Galactic Pulsating Ultra-Luminous X-ray source (PULX) Swift J0243.6+6124, modeling at its 2017-2018 outburst peak using data collected by the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT). The broad energy coverage of Insight-HXMT allows us to obtain more accurate spectral continuum to reduce the coupling of broad iron line profiles with other components. We use three different continuum spectrum models but obtain similar iron line results. For the first time, we detected the pulse characteristics of the broad iron line in a PULX. The variation in width and intensity of this iron line with $σ\sim 1.2-1.5$\,keV has a phase offset of about 0.25 from the pulse phase. We suggest that the uneven irradiation of the thick inner disk by the accretion column produces the modulated variation of the broad iron line. In addition, the non-pulsed narrow line is suggested to come from the outer disk region. △ Less

Submitted 29 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

The bright black hole X-ray binary 4U 1543--47 during 2021 outburst: a thick accretion disk inflated by high luminosity

Authors: S. J. Zhao, L. Tao, P. P. Li, R. Soria, H. Feng, Y. X. Zhang, R. C. Ma, W. D. Zhang, E. L. Qiao, Q. Q. Yin, S. N. Zhang, L. Zhang, Q. C. Bu, X. Ma, Y. Huang, M. Y. Ge, X. B. Li, Q. C. Zhao, J. Q. Peng, Y. X. Xiao

Abstract: The black hole X-ray binary source 4U 1543--47 experienced a super-Eddington outburst in 2021, reaching a peak flux of up to $\sim1.96\times10^{-7}\rm erg\ \rm cm^{-2}\ \rm s^{-1}$ ($\sim 8.2$ Crab) in the 2--10\,keV band. Soon after the outburst began, it rapidly transitioned into the soft state. Our goal is to understand how the accretion disk structure deviates from a standard thin disk when th… ▽ More The black hole X-ray binary source 4U 1543--47 experienced a super-Eddington outburst in 2021, reaching a peak flux of up to $\sim1.96\times10^{-7}\rm erg\ \rm cm^{-2}\ \rm s^{-1}$ ($\sim 8.2$ Crab) in the 2--10\,keV band. Soon after the outburst began, it rapidly transitioned into the soft state. Our goal is to understand how the accretion disk structure deviates from a standard thin disk when the accretion rate is near Eddington. To do so, we analyzed spectra obtained from quasi-simultaneous observations conducted by the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT), the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), and the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory (Swift). These spectra are well-fitted by a model comprising a disk, a weak corona, and a reflection component. We suggest that the reflection component is caused by disk self-irradiation, that is by photons emitted from the inner disk which return to the accretion disk surface, as their trajectories are bent by the strong gravity field. In this scenario, the best-fitting parameters imply that the reflected flux represents more than half of the total flux. Using general relativistic ray-tracing simulations, we show that this scenario is viable when the disk becomes geometrically thick, with a funnel-like shape, as the accretion rate is near or above the Eddington limit. In the specific case of 4U 1543--47, an angle $\gtrsim$ 45 deg between the disk surface and the equatorial plane can explain the required amount of self-irradiation. △ Less

Submitted 15 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Comments: Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics. 15 pages, 4 tables, 12 figures

Journal ref: A&A 685, A42 (2024)

A Phase-resolved View of the Low-frequency Quasiperiodic Oscillations from the Black Hole Binary MAXI J1820+070

Authors: Qing C. Shui, S. Zhang, Shuang N. Zhang, Yu P. Chen, Ling D. Kong, Peng J. Wang, Jing Q. Peng, L. Ji, A. Santangelo, Hong X. Yin, Jin L. Qu, L. Tao, Ming Y. Ge, Y. Huang, L. Zhang, Hong H. Liu, P. Zhang, W. Yu, Z. Chang, J. Li, Wen T. Ye, Pan P. Li, Zhuo L. Yu, Z. Yan

Abstract: Although low-frequency quasiperiodic oscillations (LFQPOs) are commonly detected in the X-ray light curves of accreting black hole X-ray binaries, their origin still remains elusive. In this study, we conduct phase-resolved spectroscopy in a broad energy band for LFQPOs in MAXI J1820+070 during its 2018 outburst, utilizing Insight-HXMT observations. By employing the Hilbert-Huang transform method,… ▽ More Although low-frequency quasiperiodic oscillations (LFQPOs) are commonly detected in the X-ray light curves of accreting black hole X-ray binaries, their origin still remains elusive. In this study, we conduct phase-resolved spectroscopy in a broad energy band for LFQPOs in MAXI J1820+070 during its 2018 outburst, utilizing Insight-HXMT observations. By employing the Hilbert-Huang transform method, we extract the intrinsic quasiperiodic oscillation (QPO) variability, and obtain the corresponding instantaneous amplitude, phase, and frequency functions for each data point. With well-defined phases, we construct QPO waveforms and phase-resolved spectra. By comparing the phase-folded waveform with that obtained from the Fourier method, we find that phase folding on the phase of the QPO fundamental frequency leads to a slight reduction in the contribution of the harmonic component. This suggests that the phase difference between QPO harmonics exhibits time variability. Phase-resolved spectral analysis reveals strong concurrent modulations of the spectral index and flux across the bright hard state. The modulation of the spectral index could potentially be explained by both the corona and jet precession models, with the latter requiring efficient acceleration within the jet. Furthermore, significant modulations in the reflection fraction are detected exclusively during the later stages of the bright hard state. These findings provide support for the geometric origin of LFQPOs and offer valuable insights into the evolution of the accretion geometry during the outburst in MAXI J1820+070. △ Less

Submitted 8 November, 2023; v1 submitted 6 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Comments: Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal

Timing properties of the X-ray accreting pulsar RX J0440.9+4431 studied with Insight-HXMT and NICER

Authors: P. P. Li, L. Tao, Y. L. Tuo, M. Y. Ge, L. D. Kong, L. Zhang, Q. C. Bu, L. Ji, J. L. Qu, S. Zhang, S. N. Zhang, Y. Huang, X. Ma, W. T. Ye, Q. C. Zhao, R. C. Ma, S. J. Zhao, X. Hou, Z. X. Yang, P. J. Wang, S. M. Jia, Q. C. Shui, J. Guan

Abstract: RX J0440.9+4431, a Be/X-ray binary, had its brightest outburst in 2022 since its discovery, with a peak X-ray flux of 2.25 Crab (as recorded by Swift/BAT, 15-50 keV). We analyze the timing properties of this giant outburst using data from Insight-HXMT and NICER, focusing on the evolution of the pulse profile and pulse fraction. We observe that when the luminosity reached around ~ 3*10^{37} er s^{-… ▽ More RX J0440.9+4431, a Be/X-ray binary, had its brightest outburst in 2022 since its discovery, with a peak X-ray flux of 2.25 Crab (as recorded by Swift/BAT, 15-50 keV). We analyze the timing properties of this giant outburst using data from Insight-HXMT and NICER, focusing on the evolution of the pulse profile and pulse fraction. We observe that when the luminosity reached around ~ 3*10^{37} er s^{-1}, a transition from double-peaked to single-peaked pulse profiles occurred across the energy range, with the peak of the low-energy profile aligning gradually with the peak of the high-energy profile. This change indicates a transition from subcritical to supercritical accretion. Additionally, we found a concave in the pulse fraction as a function of energy around 20-30 keV throughout the entire outburst period. Compared to the low luminosity, the concave becomes weaker in high luminosities, and overall, the pulse fraction is higher. We propose that this concave could be caused by the scattering of high-energy photons by the atmosphere of a neutron star, leading to a dilution of the pulse fraction. As the accretion reaches the supercritical state, the accretion column height increases, resulting in a larger direct component of strongly beamed X-ray flux, and an elevated pulse fraction. △ Less

Submitted 27 September, 2023; v1 submitted 26 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: 15 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS

Detection of a strong ~2.5 Hz modulation in the Newly Discovered Millisecond Pulsar MAXI J1816-195

Authors: P. P. Li, L. Tao, L. Zhang, Q. C. Bu, J. L. Qu, L. Ji, P. J. Wang, Y. P. Chen, S. Zhang, R. C. Ma, Z. X. Yang, W. T. Ye, S. J. Zhao, Q. C. Zhao, Y. Huang, X. Ma, E. L. Qiao, S. M. Jia, S. N. Zhang

Abstract: MAXI J181-195 is a newly discovered accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar that went outburst in June 2022. Through timing analysis with NICER and NuSTAR observations, we find a transient modulation at ~2.5 Hz during the decay period of MAXI J1816-195. The modulation is strongly correlated with a spectral hardening, and its fractional rms amplitude increases with energy. These results suggest that the… ▽ More MAXI J181-195 is a newly discovered accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar that went outburst in June 2022. Through timing analysis with NICER and NuSTAR observations, we find a transient modulation at ~2.5 Hz during the decay period of MAXI J1816-195. The modulation is strongly correlated with a spectral hardening, and its fractional rms amplitude increases with energy. These results suggest that the modulation is likely to be produced in an unstable corona. In addition, the presence of the modulation during thermonuclear bursts indicates that it may originate from a disk-corona where the optical depth is likely the main factor affecting the modulation, rather than temperature. Moreover, we find significant reflection features in the spectra observed simultaneously by NICER and NuSTAR, including a relativistically broadened Fe-K line around 6-7 keV, and a Compton hump in the 10-30 keV energy band. The radius of the inner disc is constrained to be Rin = (1.04-1.23) RISCO based on reflection modeling of the broadband spectra. Assuming that the inner disc is truncated at the magnetosphere radius, we estimate that the magnetic field strength is < 4.67 * 10e8 G. △ Less

Submitted 26 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Comments: 12 pages, 13 figures

Spin measurement of 4U 1543-47 with Insight-HXMT and NICER from its 2021 outburst: A test of accretion disk models at high luminosities

Authors: E. S. Yorgancioglu, Q. C. Bu, A. Santangelo, L. Tao, S. W. Davis, A. Vahdat, L. D. Kong, S. Piraino, M. Zhou, S. N. Zhang

Abstract: 4U 1543--47 is one of a handful of known black hole candidates located in the Milky Way Galaxy, and has undergone a very bright outburst in 2021, reaching a total of $\sim$9 Crab, as observed by the Monitor of All-sky Image (MAXI), and exceeding twice its Eddington luminosity. The unprecedented bright outburst of 4U 1543--47 provides a unique opportunity to test the behavior of accretion disk mode… ▽ More 4U 1543--47 is one of a handful of known black hole candidates located in the Milky Way Galaxy, and has undergone a very bright outburst in 2021, reaching a total of $\sim$9 Crab, as observed by the Monitor of All-sky Image (MAXI), and exceeding twice its Eddington luminosity. The unprecedented bright outburst of 4U 1543--47 provides a unique opportunity to test the behavior of accretion disk models at high luminosities and accretion rates. In addition, we explore the possibility of constraining the spin of the source at high accretion rates, given that previous spin measurements of 4U 1543--47 have been largely inconsistent with each other. We measure the spectral evolution of the source throughout its outburst as observed by Insight-HXMT, and compare the behavior of both the thin disk model kerrbb2, as well as the slim disk model slimbh up to the Eddington limit for two different values of disk $α$-viscosity. In addition, given the behavior of these two models, we identify two `golden' epochs for which it is most suitable to measure the spin with continuum fitting. △ Less

Submitted 21 July, 2023; v1 submitted 18 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Comments: 10 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: A&A 677, A79 (2023)

Intermittent QPO properties of MAXI J1820+070 revealed by Insight-HXMT

Authors: P. Zhang, R. Soria, S. Zhang, L. Ji, L. D. Kong, Y. P. Chen, S. N. Zhang, Z. Chang, M. Y. Ge, J. Li, G. C. Liu, Q. Z. Liu, X. Ma, J. Q. Peng, J. L. Qu, Q. C. Shui, L. Tao, H. J. Tian, P. J. Wang, J. Z. Yan, X. Y. Zeng

Abstract: We investigate the dynamical properties of low frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) observed from the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1820+070 during the early part of its 2018 outburst, when the system was in a bright hard state. To this aim, we use a series of observations from the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope Insight-HXMT, and apply a wavelet decomposition (weighted wavelet Z-transform… ▽ More We investigate the dynamical properties of low frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) observed from the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1820+070 during the early part of its 2018 outburst, when the system was in a bright hard state. To this aim, we use a series of observations from the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope Insight-HXMT, and apply a wavelet decomposition (weighted wavelet Z-transforms) to the X-ray light-curve. We find that the QPO phenomenon is intermittent within each individual observation, with some sub-intervals where the oscillation is strongly detected (high root-mean-square amplitude) and others where it is weak or absent. The average life time of individual QPO segments is ~ 5 oscillation cycles, with a 3 sigma tail up to ~ 20 cycles. There is no substantial difference between the energy spectra during intervals with strong and weak/absent QPOs. We discuss two possible reasons for the intermittent QPO strength, within the precessing jet model previously proposed for MAXI J1820+070. In the rigid precession model, intermittent QPOs are predicted to occur with a coherence Q ~ a few when the disk alignment time-scale is only a few times the precession time-scale. Alternatively, we suggest that changes in oscillation amplitude can be caused by changes in the jet speed. We discuss a possible reason for the intermittent QPO strength, within the precessing jet model previously proposed for MAXI J1820+070: we suggest that changes in oscillation amplitude are caused by changes in the jet speed. We argue that a misaligned, precessing jet scenario is also consistent with other recent observational findings that suggest an oscillation of the Compton reflection component in phase with the QPOs. △ Less

Submitted 15 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Comments: 8 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: A&A 677, A178 (2023)

The First GECAM Observation Results on Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes and Terrestrial Electron Beams

Authors: Y. Zhao, J. C. Liu, S. L. Xiong, W. C. Xue, Q. B. Yi, G. P. Lu, W. Xu, F. C. Lyu, J. C. Sun, W. X. Peng, C. Zheng, Y. Q. Zhang, C. Cai, S. Xiao, S. L. Xie, C. W. Wang, W. J. Tan, Z. H. An, G. Chen, Y. Q. Du, Y. Huang, M. Gao, K. Gong, D. Y. Guo, J. J. He , et al. (37 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Gravitational-wave high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor (GECAM) is a space-borne instrument dedicated to monitoring high-energy transients, including Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) and Terrestrial Electron Beams (TEBs). We implemented a TGF/TEB search algorithm for GECAM, with which 147 bright TGFs, 2 typical TEBs and 2 special TEB-like events are identified during an effe… ▽ More Gravitational-wave high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor (GECAM) is a space-borne instrument dedicated to monitoring high-energy transients, including Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) and Terrestrial Electron Beams (TEBs). We implemented a TGF/TEB search algorithm for GECAM, with which 147 bright TGFs, 2 typical TEBs and 2 special TEB-like events are identified during an effective observation time of $\sim$9 months. We show that, with gamma-ray and charged particle detectors, GECAM can effectively identify and distinguish TGFs and TEBs, and measure their temporal and spectral properties in detail. A very high TGF-lightning association rate of $\sim$80\% is obtained between GECAM and GLD360 in east Asia region. △ Less

Submitted 17 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comments: The paper was accepted by Geophysical Research Letters on June 16th, 2023

Simultaneous and panchromatic observations of the Fast Radio Burst FRB 20180916B

Authors: M. Trudu, M. Pilia, L. Nicastro, C. Guidorzi, M. Orlandini, L. Zampieri, V. R. Marthi, F. Ambrosino, A. Possenti, M. Burgay, C. Casentini, I. Mereminskiy, V. Savchenko, E. Palazzi, F. Panessa, A. Ridolfi, F. Verrecchia, M. Anedda, G. Bernardi, M. Bachetti, R. Burenin, A. Burtovoi, P. Casella, M. Fiori, F. Frontera , et al. (25 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Aims. Fast Radio Bursts are bright radio transients whose origin has not yet explained. The search for a multi-wavelength counterpart of those events can put a tight constrain on the emission mechanism and the progenitor source. Methods. We conducted a multi-wavelength observational campaign on FRB 20180916B between October 2020 and August 2021 during eight activity cycles of the source. Observati… ▽ More Aims. Fast Radio Bursts are bright radio transients whose origin has not yet explained. The search for a multi-wavelength counterpart of those events can put a tight constrain on the emission mechanism and the progenitor source. Methods. We conducted a multi-wavelength observational campaign on FRB 20180916B between October 2020 and August 2021 during eight activity cycles of the source. Observations were led in the radio band by the SRT both at 336 MHz and 1547 MHz and the uGMRT at 400 MHz. Simultaneous observations have been conducted by the optical telescopes Asiago (Galileo and Copernico), CMO SAI MSU, CAHA 2.2m, RTT-150 and TNG, and X/Gamma-ray detectors on board the AGILE, Insight-HXMT, INTEGRAL and Swift satellites. Results. We present the detection of 14 new bursts detected with the SRT at 336 MHz and seven new bursts with the uGMRT from this source. We provide the deepest prompt upper limits in the optical band fro FRB 20180916B to date. In fact, the TNG/SiFAP2 observation simultaneous to a burst detection by uGMRT gives an upper limit E_optical / E_radio < 1.3 x 10^2. Another burst detected by the SRT at 336 MHz was also co-observed by Insight-HMXT. The non-detection in the X-rays yields an upper limit (1-30 keV band) of E_X-ray / E_radio in the range of (0.9-1.3) x 10^7, depending on which model is considered for the X-ray emission. △ Less

Submitted 29 May, 2023; originally announced May 2023.

Comments: A&A accepted

Journal ref: A&A 676, A17 (2023)

The Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy Onboard the SATech-01 Satellite

Authors: Z. X. Ling, X. J. Sun, C. Zhang, S. L. Sun, G. Jin, S. N. Zhang, X. F. Zhang, J. B. Chang, F. S. Chen, Y. F. Chen, Z. W. Cheng, W. Fu, Y. X. Han, H. Li, J. F. Li, Y. Li, Z. D. Li, P. R. Liu, Y. H. Lv, X. H. Ma, Y. J. Tang, C. B. Wang, R. J. Xie, Y. L. Xue, A. L. Yan , et al. (101 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy (LEIA), a pathfinder of the Wide-field X-ray Telescope of the Einstein Probe (EP) mission, was successfully launched onboard the SATech-01 satellite of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on 27 July 2022. In this paper, we introduce the design and on-ground test results of the LEIA instrument. Using state-of-the-art Micro-Pore Optics (MPO), a wide field-of-view (Fo… ▽ More The Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy (LEIA), a pathfinder of the Wide-field X-ray Telescope of the Einstein Probe (EP) mission, was successfully launched onboard the SATech-01 satellite of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on 27 July 2022. In this paper, we introduce the design and on-ground test results of the LEIA instrument. Using state-of-the-art Micro-Pore Optics (MPO), a wide field-of-view (FoV) of 346 square degrees (18.6 degrees * 18.6 degrees) of the X-ray imager is realized. An optical assembly composed of 36 MPO chips is used to focus incident X-ray photons, and four large-format complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, each of 6 cm * 6 cm, are used as the focal plane detectors. The instrument has an angular resolution of 4 - 8 arcmin (in FWHM) for the central focal spot of the point spread function, and an effective area of 2 - 3 cm2 at 1 keV in essentially all the directions within the field of view. The detection passband is 0.5 - 4 keV in the soft X-rays and the sensitivity is 2 - 3 * 10-11 erg s-1 cm-2 (about 1 mini-Crab) at 1,000 second observation. The total weight of LEIA is 56 kg and the power is 85 W. The satellite, with a design lifetime of 2 years, operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit of 500 km with an orbital period of 95 minutes. LEIA is paving the way for future missions by verifying in flight the technologies of both novel focusing imaging optics and CMOS sensors for X-ray observation, and by optimizing the working setups of the instrumental parameters. In addition, LEIA is able to carry out scientific observations to find new transients and to monitor known sources in the soft X-ray band, albeit limited useful observing time available. △ Less

Submitted 24 May, 2023; originally announced May 2023.

Comments: Accepted by RAA

Fast transitions of X-ray variability in the black hole transient GX 339--4: comparison with MAXI J1820+070 and MAXI J1348-630

Authors: Zi-Xu Yang, Liang Zhang, S. N. Zhang, M. Méndez, Federico García, Yue Huang, Qingcui Bu, He-Xin Liu, Wei Yu, P. J. Wang, L. Tao, D. Altamirano, Jin-Lu Qu, S. Zhang, X. Ma, L. M. Song, S. M. Jia, M. Y. Ge, Q. Z. Liu, J. Z. Yan, T. M. Li, X. Q. Ren, R. C. Ma, Yuexin Zhang, Y. C. Xu , et al. (8 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Fast transitions between different types of power density spectra (PDS) happening over timescales of several tens of seconds are rare phenomena in black hole X-ray binaries. In this paper, we report a broadband spectral-timing analysis of the fast transitions observed in the 2021 outburst of GX 339-4 using NICER and HXMT observations. We observe transitions between band-limited noise-dominated PDS… ▽ More Fast transitions between different types of power density spectra (PDS) happening over timescales of several tens of seconds are rare phenomena in black hole X-ray binaries. In this paper, we report a broadband spectral-timing analysis of the fast transitions observed in the 2021 outburst of GX 339-4 using NICER and HXMT observations. We observe transitions between band-limited noise-dominated PDS and type-B quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs), and their rapid appearance or disappearance. We also make a detailed comparison between the fast transitions in GX 339-4 with those seen in MAXI J1820+070 and MAXI J1348--630. By comparing the spectra of the periods with and without type-B QPOs, we find that the spectral ratios above 10 keV are nearly constant or slightly decreasing, and the values are different between sources. Below 10 keV, the flux change of the Comptonization component is inversely proportional to the flux change of the thermal component, suggesting that the appearance of type-B QPOs is associated with a redistribution of the accretion power between the disc and the Comptonizing emission region. The spectral ratios between the periods with type-B QPO and those with broadband noise are significantly different from that with type-B QPO and without type-B QPO, where the ratios (type-B QPO/broadband noise) show a maximum at around 4 keV and then decrease gradually towards high energies. Finally, we discuss the possible change of the geometry of the inner accretion flow and/or jet during the transitions. △ Less

Submitted 13 March, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

A detailed view of low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillation in the broadband 0.2-200 keV with Insight-HXMT and NICER

Authors: X. Ma, L. Zhang, L. Tao, Q. C. Bu, J. L. Qu, S. N. Zhang, D. K. Zhou, Y. Huang, S. M. Jia, L. M. Song, S. Zhang, M. Y. Ge, H. X. Liu, Z. X. Yang, W. Yu, E. S. Yorgancioglu

Abstract: We report the X-ray timing results of the black hole candidate MAXI J1820+070 during its 2018 outburst using the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT) and Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer Mission (NICER) observations. Low frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (LFQPOs) are detected in the low/hard state and the hard intermediate state, which lasted for about 90 days. Thanks to th… ▽ More We report the X-ray timing results of the black hole candidate MAXI J1820+070 during its 2018 outburst using the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT) and Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer Mission (NICER) observations. Low frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (LFQPOs) are detected in the low/hard state and the hard intermediate state, which lasted for about 90 days. Thanks to the large effective area of Insight-HXMT at high energies and NICER at low energies, we are able to present the energy dependence of the LFQPO characteristics and phase lags from 0.2 keV to 200 keV, which has never been explored by previous missions. We find that the centroid frequency of the LFQPOs do not change significantly with energy, while the full width at half maximum (FWHM) and fractional rms show a complex evolution with energy. The LFQPO phase lags at high energies and low energies show consistent energy-dependence relations taking the ~2 keV as reference. Our results suggest that the LFQPOs from high energy come from the LT precession of the relativistic jet, while the low-energy radiation is mainly from the perpendicular innermost regions of the accretion disk. △ Less

Submitted 1 March, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

A simulation study on the constraints of the Hubble constant using sub-threshold GW observation on double neutron star mergers

Authors: Y. F. Du, S. X. Yi, S. N. Zhang, Shu Zhang

Abstract: Gravitational waves observation with electromagnetic counterparts provides an approach to measure the Hubble constant which is also known as the bright siren method. Great hope has been put into this method to arbitrate the Hubble tension. In this study, we apply the simulation tool \GWT\, and modeling of the aLIGO-design background to simulate the bright siren catalogues of sub-threshold double n… ▽ More Gravitational waves observation with electromagnetic counterparts provides an approach to measure the Hubble constant which is also known as the bright siren method. Great hope has been put into this method to arbitrate the Hubble tension. In this study, we apply the simulation tool \GWT\, and modeling of the aLIGO-design background to simulate the bright siren catalogues of sub-threshold double neutron star mergers with potential contamination from noise and dis-pairing between gravitational waves and electromagnetic counterparts. The Hubble constant and other cosmology parameters are thus inferred from the simulated catalogues with a Bayesian method. From our simulation study, we reach the following conclusions: 1) the measurement error of the $H_0$ decreases with a lower signal-to-noise ratio threshold (or equivalently the $P_{\rm astro}$) in the region where $P_{\rm astro} \gtrsim $ 0.1, while the inferred most probable $H_0$ trends to bias towards larger values; and 2) other higher order cosmological parameters such as $Ω_{m}$ remain unconstrained even with the sub-threshold catalogues. We also discuss adding the network of the gravitational wave detectors to the simulation tool and the electromagnetic counterparts follow-up efficiency simulation, which will improve our work in the future. △ Less

Submitted 20 February, 2023; originally announced February 2023.

Comments: 15 pages, 10 figures

Beam pattern evolution of accreting X-ray pulsar 1A 0535+262 during its 2020 giant outburst

Authors: Y. F. Hu, L. Ji, C. Yu, P. J. Wang, V. Doroshenko, A. Santangelo, I. Saathoff, S. N. Zhang, S. Zhang, L. D. Kong

Abstract: We report on pulse profile decomposition analysis of a bright transient X-ray pulsar 1A 0535+262 using the broadband Insight-HXMT observations during a giant outburst of the source in 2020. We show that the observed pulse profile shape can be described in terms of a combination of two symmetric single-pole contributions for wide range of energies and luminosities for a fixed geometry defining basi… ▽ More We report on pulse profile decomposition analysis of a bright transient X-ray pulsar 1A 0535+262 using the broadband Insight-HXMT observations during a giant outburst of the source in 2020. We show that the observed pulse profile shape can be described in terms of a combination of two symmetric single-pole contributions for wide range of energies and luminosities for a fixed geometry defining basic geometry of the pulsar. This corresponds to a slightly distorted dipole magnetic field, i.e., one pole has to be offset by $\sim 12^{\circ}$ from the antipodal position of the other pole. We reconstruct the intrinsic beam patterns of the pulsar assuming the geometry recovered from the decomposition analysis, and find evidence for a transition between "pencil" and "fan" beams in energy ranges above the cyclotron line energy which can be interpreted as transition from sub- to super-critical accretion regimes associated with onset of an accretion column. At lower energies the beam pattern appears, however, to be more complex, and contains substantial "fan" beam and an additional "pencil" beam component at all luminosities. The latter is not related to the accretion rate and is stronger in the fading phase of the outburst. We finally discuss results in context of other observational and theoretical findings earlier reported for the source in the literature. △ Less

Submitted 16 February, 2023; v1 submitted 15 February, 2023; originally announced February 2023.

Comments: 14 pages, 8 figures. Accepted by ApJ

GRANDMA and HXMT Observations of GRB 221009A -- the Standard-Luminosity Afterglow of a Hyper-Luminous Gamma-Ray Burst

Authors: D. A. Kann, S. Agayeva, V. Aivazyan, S. Alishov, C. M. Andrade, S. Antier, A. Baransky, P. Bendjoya, Z. Benkhaldoun, S. Beradze, D. Berezin, M. Boër, E. Broens, S. Brunier, M. Bulla, O. Burkhonov, E. Burns, Y. Chen, Y. P. Chen, M. Conti, M. W. Coughlin, W. W. Cui, F. Daigne, B. Delaveau, H. A. R. Devillepoix , et al. (91 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: GRB 221009A is the brightest Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) detected in more than 50 years of study. In this paper, we present observations in the X-ray and optical domains after the GRB obtained by the GRANDMA Collaboration (which includes observations from more than 30 professional and amateur telescopes) and the Insight-HXMT Collaboration. We study the optical afterglow with empirical fitting from GRAND… ▽ More GRB 221009A is the brightest Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) detected in more than 50 years of study. In this paper, we present observations in the X-ray and optical domains after the GRB obtained by the GRANDMA Collaboration (which includes observations from more than 30 professional and amateur telescopes) and the Insight-HXMT Collaboration. We study the optical afterglow with empirical fitting from GRANDMA+HXMT data, augmented with data from the literature up to 60 days. We then model numerically, using a Bayesian approach, the GRANDMA and HXMT-LE afterglow observations, that we augment with Swift-XRT and additional optical/NIR observations reported in the literature. We find that the GRB afterglow, extinguished by a large dust column, is most likely behind a combination of a large Milky-Way dust column combined with moderate low-metallicity dust in the host galaxy. Using the GRANDMA+HXMT-LE+XRT dataset, we find that the simplest model, where the observed afterglow is produced by synchrotron radiation at the forward external shock during the deceleration of a top-hat relativistic jet by a uniform medium, fits the multi-wavelength observations only moderately well, with a tension between the observed temporal and spectral evolution. This tension is confirmed when using the extended dataset. We find that the consideration of a jet structure (Gaussian or power-law), the inclusion of synchrotron self-Compton emission, or the presence of an underlying supernova do not improve the predictions, showing that the modelling of GRB22109A will require going beyond the most standard GRB afterglow model. Placed in the global context of GRB optical afterglows, we find the afterglow of GRB 221009A is luminous but not extraordinarily so, highlighting that some aspects of this GRB do not deviate from the global known sample despite its extreme energetics and the peculiar afterglow evolution. △ Less

Submitted 27 March, 2023; v1 submitted 13 February, 2023; originally announced February 2023.

Comments: Accepted to ApJL for the special issue, 37 pages, 23 pages main text, 6 tables, 13 figures

Timing analysis of EXO 2030+375 during its 2021 giant outburst observed with Insight-HXMT

Authors: Yu-Cong Fu, L. M. Song, G. Q. Ding, M. Y. Ge, Y. L. Tuo, S. Zhang, S. N. Zhang, X. Hou, J. L. Qu, J. Zhang, L. Zhang, Q. C. Bu, Y. Huang, X. Ma, X. Zhou, W. M. Yan, Z. X. Yang, X. F. Lu, T. M. Li, Y. C. Xu, P. J. Wang, S. H. Xiao, H. X. Liu, X. Q. Ren, Y. F. Du , et al. (2 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the evolution of the X-ray pulsations of EXO 2030+375 during its 2021 outburst using the observations from \textit{Insight}-HXMT. Based on the accretion torque model, we study the correlation between the spin frequency derivatives and the luminosity. Pulsations can be detected in the energy band of 1--160 keV. The pulse profile evolves significantly with luminosity during the outburst, l… ▽ More We report the evolution of the X-ray pulsations of EXO 2030+375 during its 2021 outburst using the observations from \textit{Insight}-HXMT. Based on the accretion torque model, we study the correlation between the spin frequency derivatives and the luminosity. Pulsations can be detected in the energy band of 1--160 keV. The pulse profile evolves significantly with luminosity during the outburst, leading to that the whole outburst can be divided into several parts with different characteristics. The evolution of the pulse profile reveals the transition between the super-critical (fan-beam dominated) and the sub-critical accretion (pencil-beam dominated) mode. From the accretion torque model and the critical luminosity model, based on a distance of 7.1 kpc, the inferred magnetic fields are $(0.41-0.74) \times 10^{12}$ G and $(3.48-3.96) \times 10^{12}$ G, respectively, or based on a distance of 3.6 kpc, the estimated magnetic fields are $(2.4-4.3) \times 10^{13}$ G and $(0.98-1.11)\times 10^{12}$ G, respectively. Two different sets of magnetic fields both support the presence of multipole magnetic fields of the NS. △ Less

Submitted 25 February, 2023; v1 submitted 4 February, 2023; originally announced February 2023.

Reanalysis of the X-ray burst associated FRB 200428 with Insight-HXMT observations

Authors: M. Y. Ge, C. Z. Liu, S. N. Zhang, F. J. Lu, Z. Zhang, Z. Chang, Y. L. Tuo, X. B. Li, C. K. Li, S. L. Xiong, C. Cai, X. F. Li, R. Zhang, Z. G. Dai, J. L. Qu, L. M. Song, S. Zhang, L. J. Wang

Abstract: A double-peak X-ray burst from the Galactic magnetar SGR J1935+2154 was discovered as associated with the two radio pulses of FRB 200428 separated by 28.97+-0.02 ms. Precise measurements of the timing and spectral properties of the X-ray bursts are helpful for understanding the physical origin of fast radio bursts (FRBs). In this paper, we have reconstructed some information about the hard X-ray e… ▽ More A double-peak X-ray burst from the Galactic magnetar SGR J1935+2154 was discovered as associated with the two radio pulses of FRB 200428 separated by 28.97+-0.02 ms. Precise measurements of the timing and spectral properties of the X-ray bursts are helpful for understanding the physical origin of fast radio bursts (FRBs). In this paper, we have reconstructed some information about the hard X-ray events, which were lost because the High Energy X-ray Telescope (HE) onboard the Insight-HXMT mission was saturated by this extremely bright burst, and used the information to improve the temporal and spectral analyses of the X-ray burst. The arrival times of the two X-ray peaks by fitting the new Insight-HXMT/HE lightcurve with multi-Gaussian profiles are 2.77+-0.45 ms and 34.30+-0.56 ms after the first peak of FRB 200428, respectively, while these two parameters are 2.57+-0.52 ms and 32.5+-1.4 ms if the fitting profile is a fast rise and exponential decay function. The spectrum of the two X-ray peaks could be described by a cutoff power-law with cutoff energy ~60 keV and photon index ~1.4, the latter is softer than that of the underlying bright and broader X-ray burst when the two X-ray peaks appeared. △ Less

Submitted 31 January, 2023; originally announced February 2023.

Comments: 11 pages, 7 figures

GRB minimum variability timescale with Insight-HXMT and Swift: implications for progenitor models, dissipation physics and GRB classifications

Authors: A. E. Camisasca, C. Guidorzi, L. Amati, F. Frontera, X. Y. Song, S. Xiao, S. L. Xiong, S. N. Zhang, R. Margutti, S. Kobayashi, C. G. Mundell, M. Y. Ge, A. Gomboc, S. M. Jia, N. Jordana-Mitjans, C. K. Li, X. B. Li, R. Maccary, M. Shrestha, W. C. Xue, S. Zhang

Abstract: The dissipation process of GRB prompt emission is still unknown. Study of temporal variability may provide a unique way to discriminate the imprint of the inner engine activity from geometry and propagation related effects. We define the minimum variability timescale (MVT) as the shortest duration of individual pulses that shape a light curve for a sample of GRBs and test correlations with peak lu… ▽ More The dissipation process of GRB prompt emission is still unknown. Study of temporal variability may provide a unique way to discriminate the imprint of the inner engine activity from geometry and propagation related effects. We define the minimum variability timescale (MVT) as the shortest duration of individual pulses that shape a light curve for a sample of GRBs and test correlations with peak luminosity, Lorentz factor, and jet opening angle. We compare these correlations with predictions from recent numerical simulations for a relativistic structured -- possibly wobbling -- jet and assess the value of MTV as probe of prompt-emission physics. We used the peak detection algorithm mepsa to identify the shortest pulse within a GRB time history and estimate its full width half maximum (FWHM). We applied this framework to two sets of GRBs: Swift (from 2005 to July 2022) and Insight-HXMT (from June 2017 to July 2021, including 221009A). We then selected 401 GRBs with measured z to test for correlations. On average short GRBs have significantly shorter MVT than long GRBs. The MVT distribution of short GRBs with extended emission such as 060614 and 211211A is compatible only with that of short GRBs. This provides a new clue on the progenitor's nature. The MVT for long GRBs anticorrelates with peak luminosity. We confirm the anticorrelation with the Lorentz factor and find a correlation with the jet opening angle as estimated from the afterglow, along with an inverse correlation with the number of pulses. The MVT can identify the emerging putative new class of long GRBs that are suggested to be produced by compact binary mergers. For otherwise typical long GRBs, the different correlations between MVT and peak luminosity, Lorentz factor, jet opening angle, and number of pulses can be explained within the context of structured, possibly wobbling, weakly magnetised relativistic jets. (summarised) △ Less

Submitted 3 January, 2023; originally announced January 2023.

Comments: 18 pages, 15 figures, accepted by A&A

Journal ref: A&A 671, A112 (2023)

Design and test results of different aluminum coating layers on the sCMOS sensors for soft X-ray detection

Authors: W. X. Wang, Z. X. Ling, C. Zhang, W. M. Yuan, S. N. Zhang

Abstract: In recent years, tremendous progress has been made on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors for applications as X-ray detectors. To shield the visible light in X-ray detection, a blocking filter of aluminum is commonly employed. We designed three types of aluminum coating layers, which are deposited directly on the surface of back-illuminated sCMOS sensors during fabrication. A co… ▽ More In recent years, tremendous progress has been made on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors for applications as X-ray detectors. To shield the visible light in X-ray detection, a blocking filter of aluminum is commonly employed. We designed three types of aluminum coating layers, which are deposited directly on the surface of back-illuminated sCMOS sensors during fabrication. A commercial 2k * 2k sCMOS sensor is used to realize these designs. In this work, we report their performance by comparison with that of an uncoated sCMOS sensor. The optical transmissions at 660 nm and 850 nm are measured, and the results show that the optical transmission reaches a level of about 10-9 for the 200 nm aluminum layer and about 10-4 for the 100 nm aluminum layer. Light leakage is found around the four sides of the sensor. The readout noise, fixed-pattern noise and energy resolution of these Al-coated sCMOS sensors do not show significant changes. The dark currents of these Al-coated sCMOS sensors show a noticeable increase compared with that of the uncoated sCMOS sensor at room temperatures, while no significant difference is found when the sCMOS sensors are cooled down to about -15 degree. The aluminum coatings show no visible crack after the thermal cycle and aging tests. Based on these results, an aluminum coating of a larger area on larger sCMOS sensors is proposed for future work. △ Less

Submitted 30 November, 2022; v1 submitted 28 November, 2022; originally announced November 2022.

Comments: Accept for publication in JInst

First wide field-of-view X-ray observations by a lobster eye focusing telescope in orbit

Authors: C. Zhang, Z. X. Ling, X. J. Sun, S. L. Sun, Y. Liu, Z. D. Li, Y. L. Xue, Y. F. Chen, Y. F. Dai, Z. Q. Jia, H. Y. Liu, X. F. Zhang, Y. H. Zhang, S. N. Zhang, F. S. Chen, Z. W. Cheng, W. Fu, Y. X. Han, H. Li, J. F. Li, Y. Li, P. R. Liu, X. H. Ma, Y. J. Tang, C. B. Wang , et al. (53 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: As a novel X-ray focusing technology, lobster eye micro-pore optics (MPO) feature both a wide observing field of view and true imaging capability, promising sky monitoring with significantly improved sensitivity and spatial resolution in soft X-rays. Since first proposed by Angel (1979), the optics have been extensively studied, developed and trialed over the past decades. In this Letter, we repor… ▽ More As a novel X-ray focusing technology, lobster eye micro-pore optics (MPO) feature both a wide observing field of view and true imaging capability, promising sky monitoring with significantly improved sensitivity and spatial resolution in soft X-rays. Since first proposed by Angel (1979), the optics have been extensively studied, developed and trialed over the past decades. In this Letter, we report on the first-light results from a flight experiment of the Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy ($LEIA$), a pathfinder of the wide-field X-ray telescope of the Einstein Probe mission. The piggyback imager, launched in July 2022, has a mostly un-vignetted field of view of $18.6^\circ \times 18.6^\circ $. Its spatial resolution is in the range of 4$-$7 arcmin in FWHM and the focal spot effective area is 2$-$3 cm$^2$, both showing only mild fluctuations across the field of view. We present images of the Galactic center region, Sco X-1 and the diffuse Cygnus Loop nebular taken in snapshot observations over 0.5$-$4 keV. These are truly wide-field X-ray images of celestial bodies observed, for the first time, by a focusing imaging telescope. Initial analyses of the in-flight data show excellent agreement between the observed images and the on-ground calibration and simulations. The instrument and its characterization are briefly described, as well as the flight experiment. The results provide a solid basis for the development of the present and proposed wide-field X-ray missions using lobster eye MPO. △ Less

Submitted 17 November, 2022; originally announced November 2022.

Comments: 11 pages, 4 figures. Accepted for publication in Astrophysical Journal Letter

Monte-Carlo simulations on possible collimation effects of outflows to fan-beamed emission of ultraluminous accreting X-ray pulsars

Authors: X. Hou, Y. You, L. Ji, R. Soria, S. N. Zhang, M. Y. Ge, L. Tao, S. Zhang, H. Feng, M. Zhou, Y. L. Tuo, L. M. Song, J. C. Wang

Abstract: Pulsating ultraluminous X-ray sources (PULXs) are accreting pulsars with apparent X-ray luminosity exceeding $10^{39}\, \rm erg\ s^{-1}$. We perform Monte-Carlo simulations to investigate whether high collimation effect (or strong beaming effect) is dominant in the presence of accretion outflows, for the fan beam emission of the accretion column of the neutron stars in PULXs. We show that the thre… ▽ More Pulsating ultraluminous X-ray sources (PULXs) are accreting pulsars with apparent X-ray luminosity exceeding $10^{39}\, \rm erg\ s^{-1}$. We perform Monte-Carlo simulations to investigate whether high collimation effect (or strong beaming effect) is dominant in the presence of accretion outflows, for the fan beam emission of the accretion column of the neutron stars in PULXs. We show that the three nearby PULXs (RX J0209.6$-$7427, Swift J0243.6+6124 and SMC X-3), namely the three musketeers here, have their main pulsed emission not strongly collimated even if strong outflows exist. This conclusion can be extended to the current sample of extragalactic PULXs, if accretion outflows are commonly produced from them. This means that the observed high luminosity of PULXs is indeed intrinsic, which can be used to infer the existence of very strong surface magnetic fields of $\sim10^{13-14}$ G, possibly multipole fields. However, if strong outflows are launched from the accretion disks in PULXs as a consequence of disk spherization by radiation pressure, regular dipole magnetic fields of $\sim10^{12}$ G may be required, comparable to that of the three musketeers, which have experienced large luminosity changes from well below their Eddington limit ($2\times10^{38}\, \rm erg\ s^{-1}$ for a NS) to super-Eddington and their maximum luminosity fills the luminosity gap between Galactic pulsars and extragalactic PULXs. △ Less

Submitted 15 November, 2022; originally announced November 2022.

Comments: 26 pages, 8 figures, 1 table. Accepted by ApJ

Radio Transients and Variables in the Tenth Deeper, Wider, Faster Observing Run

Authors: D. Dobie, J. Pritchard, Y. Wang, L. W. Graham, J. Freeburn, H. Qiu, T. R. White, A. O'Brien, E. Lenc, J. K. Leung, C. Lynch, Tara Murphy, A. J. Stewart, Z. Wang, A. Zic, T. M. C. Abbott, C. Cai, J. Cooke, M. Dobiecki, S. Goode, S. Jia, C. Li, A. Möller, S. Webb, J. Zhang , et al. (1 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Deeper, Wider, Faster (DWF) program coordinates observations with telescopes across the electromagnetic spectrum, searching for transients on timescales of milliseconds to days. The tenth DWF observing run was carried out in near real-time during September 2021 and consisted of six consecutive days of observations of the NGC 6744 galaxy group and a field containing the repeating fast radio bur… ▽ More The Deeper, Wider, Faster (DWF) program coordinates observations with telescopes across the electromagnetic spectrum, searching for transients on timescales of milliseconds to days. The tenth DWF observing run was carried out in near real-time during September 2021 and consisted of six consecutive days of observations of the NGC 6744 galaxy group and a field containing the repeating fast radio burst FRB190711 with the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder, the Dark Energy Camera, the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope and the Parkes 64m "Murriyang" radio telescope. In this work we present the results of an image-domain search for transient, variable and circularly polarised sources carried out with ASKAP using data from the observing run, along with test observations prior to the run and follow-up observations carried out during and after the run. We identified eight variable radio sources, consisting of one pulsar, six stellar systems (five of which exhibit circularly polarised emission) and one previously uncatalogued source. Of particular interest is the detection of pulses from the ultra-cool dwarf SCR J1845-6357 with a period of $14.2\pm 0.3$ h, in good agreement with the known optical rotation period, making this the slowest rotating radio-loud ultra-cool dwarf discovered. △ Less

Submitted 13 November, 2022; originally announced November 2022.

Wavelet analysis of the transient QPOs in MAXI J1535$-$571 with Insight-HXMT

Authors: X. Chen, W. Wang, P F. Tian, P. Zhang, Q. Liu, H. J. Wu, N. Sai, Y. Huang, L. M. Song, J. L. Qu, L. Tao, S. Zhang, F. J. Lu, S. N. Zhang

Abstract: Using wavelet analysis and power density spectrum, we investigate two transient quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) observed in MAXI J1535$-$571 observed with Insight-HXMT. The transient QPOs have a centroid frequency of $\sim 10$ Hz with a FWHM $\sim 0.6$ Hz and an rms amplitude $\sim 14\%$. Energy spectra of QPO and non-QPO regimes are also separated and analyzed, and the spectra become softer wi… ▽ More Using wavelet analysis and power density spectrum, we investigate two transient quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) observed in MAXI J1535$-$571 observed with Insight-HXMT. The transient QPOs have a centroid frequency of $\sim 10$ Hz with a FWHM $\sim 0.6$ Hz and an rms amplitude $\sim 14\%$. Energy spectra of QPO and non-QPO regimes are also separated and analyzed, and the spectra become softer with higher $E_{cut}$ in the non-QPO regime compared to the QPO regime. Our results suggest that the transient QPOs detected in MJD 58016 and 58017 are still the type-C QPO, and the source remains in its HIMS. The duration of all type-C QPO signals based on wavelet is positively correlated with the mean count rate above $\sim 10$ keV, implying appearance of QPOs in different time scales should be coupled with the corona. The transient QPO properties could be related to the jet or flares, perhaps the partial ejection of the corona is responsible for the disappearance of the type-C QPO. △ Less

Submitted 21 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Comments: 10 pages, MNRAS in press

Detection of a quasi-periodic oscillation at $\sim$40 mHz in Cen X-3 with Insight-HXMT

Authors: Q. Liu, W. Wang, X. Chen, W. Yang, F. J. Lu, L. M. Song, J. L. Qu, S. Zhang, S. N. Zhang

Abstract: We investigated the quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) features in the accretion-powered X-ray pulsar Cen X-3 observed by Insight-HXMT. For two observations in 2020 when Cen X-3 was in an extremely soft state, the power density spectrum revealed the presence of obvious QPO features at $\sim$40 mHz with an averaged fractional rms amplitude of $\sim9\%$. We study the mHz QPO frequency and rms amplitud… ▽ More We investigated the quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) features in the accretion-powered X-ray pulsar Cen X-3 observed by Insight-HXMT. For two observations in 2020 when Cen X-3 was in an extremely soft state, the power density spectrum revealed the presence of obvious QPO features at $\sim$40 mHz with an averaged fractional rms amplitude of $\sim9\%$. We study the mHz QPO frequency and rms amplitude over orbital phases, and find that the QPO frequency is $\sim$33-39 mHz at the orbital phase of 0.1-0.4, increasing to $\sim$37-43 mHz in the orbital phase of 0.4-0.8, but has no strong dependence on X-ray intensity. We also carried out an energy-dependent QPO analysis, the rms amplitude of the mHz QPOs have a decreasing trend as the energy increases from 2 to 20 keV. In addition, the QPO time-lag analysis shows that the time delay is $\sim 20$ ms (a hard lag) in the range of $\sim$5-10 keV, and becomes negative (time lag of $-(20-70)$ ms) above $\sim 10$ keV. The different QPO theoretical models are summarized and discussed. In the end, we suggest that these energy-dependent timing features as well as the origin of mHz QPOs in Cen X-3 may be ascribed to an instability when the accretion disk is truncated near the corotation radius. △ Less

Submitted 14 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Comments: 9 pages, MNRAS in press

Fan beamed X-ray emission from 1 keV to above 130 keV from the ultraluminous X-ray pulsar RX J0209.6-7427 in the Small Magellanic Cloud

Authors: X. Hou, M. Y. Ge, L. Ji, S. N. Zhang, Y. You, L. Tao, S. Zhang, R. Soria, H. Feng, M. Zhou, Y. L. Tuo, L. M. Song, J. C. Wang

Abstract: We present detailed timing and spectral analyses of the transient X-ray pulsar RX J0209.6$-$7427 in the Small Magellanic Cloud during its 2019 giant outburst. With a better known distance than most galactic X-ray pulsars, its peak luminosity is determined to be $(1.11\pm0.06)\times 10^{39}\, \rm erg\ s^{-1}$; it is thus a {\it bonda fide} pulsating ultraluminous X-ray source (PULX). Owing to the b… ▽ More We present detailed timing and spectral analyses of the transient X-ray pulsar RX J0209.6$-$7427 in the Small Magellanic Cloud during its 2019 giant outburst. With a better known distance than most galactic X-ray pulsars, its peak luminosity is determined to be $(1.11\pm0.06)\times 10^{39}\, \rm erg\ s^{-1}$; it is thus a {\it bonda fide} pulsating ultraluminous X-ray source (PULX). Owing to the broad energy band of \textit{Insight}-HXMT, its pulsed X-ray emission was detected from 1 keV up to the 130$-$180 keV band, which is the highest energy emission detected from any PULXs outside the Milky Way. This allows us to conclude that its main pulsed X-ray emission is from the "fan beam" of the accretion column, and its luminosity is thus intrinsic. We also estimate its magnetic field of (4.8$-$8.6)$\times10^{12}$ G or (1.7$-$2.2)$\times10^{13}$ G, from its spin evolution or transition in the accretion column structure during the outburst; we suggest that the two values of the magnetic field strength correspond to the dipole and multipole magnetic fields of the neutron star, similar to the recent discovery in the Galactic PULX Swift J0243.6+6124. Therefore, the nature of the neutron star and its ULX emission can be understood within the current theoretical frame of accreting neutron stars. This may have implications for understanding the nature of those farther away extragalactic PULXs. △ Less

Submitted 31 August, 2022; originally announced August 2022.

Comments: 31 pages, 14 figures, 5 tables. Accepted by ApJ

Timing properties of the X-ray accreting pulsar 1A 0535+262 studied with Insight-HXMT

Authors: P. J. Wang, L. D. Kong, S. Zhang, V. Doroshenko, A. Santangelo, L. Ji, E. S. Yorgancioglu, Y. P. Chen, S. N. Zhang, J. L. Qu, M. Y. Ge, J. Li, Z. Chang, L. Tao, J. Q. Peng, Q. C. Shui

Abstract: We report results on the timing analysis of the 2020 giant outburst of 1A 0535+262, using broadband data from Insight-HXMT. The analysis of the pulse profile evolution from the sub-critical luminosity to super-critical luminosity regime is presented for the first time. We found that the observed pulse profile exhibits a complex dependence on both energy and luminosity.A dip structure at the energy… ▽ More We report results on the timing analysis of the 2020 giant outburst of 1A 0535+262, using broadband data from Insight-HXMT. The analysis of the pulse profile evolution from the sub-critical luminosity to super-critical luminosity regime is presented for the first time. We found that the observed pulse profile exhibits a complex dependence on both energy and luminosity.A dip structure at the energy of the cyclotron resonant scattering features (CRSFs) is found for the first time in the pulse fraction-energy relation of 1A 0535+262, when the outburst evolves in a luminosity range from 4.8 $\times 10^{37}$ erg s$^{-1}$ to 1.0 $\times 10^{38}$ erg s$^{-1}$. The observed structure is luminosity dependent and appears around the source critical luminosity ($\sim$ 6.7 $\times 10^{37}$ erg s$^{-1}$). △ Less

Submitted 28 August, 2022; originally announced August 2022.

Transitions and Origin of the Type-B Quasi-Periodic Oscillation in the Black Hole X-ray Binary MAXI~ J1348--630

Authors: H. X. Liu, Y. Huang, Q. C. Bu, W. Yu, Z. X. Yang, L. Zhang, L. D. Kong, G. C. Xiao, J. L. Qu, S. N. Zhang, S. Zhang, L. M. Song, S. M. Jia, X. Ma, L. Tao, M. Y. Ge, Q. Z. Liu, J. Z. Yan, R. C. Ma, X. Q. Ren, D. K. Zhou, T. M. Li, B. Y. Wu, Y. C. Xu, Y. F. Du , et al. (4 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The fast transitions between different types of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) are generally observed in black hole transient sources (BHTs). We present a detailed study on the timing and spectral properties of the transitions of type-B QPOs in MAXI~J1348--630, observed by \emph{Insight}-HXMT. The fractional rms variability--energy relationship and energy spectra reveal that type-B QPOs probab… ▽ More The fast transitions between different types of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) are generally observed in black hole transient sources (BHTs). We present a detailed study on the timing and spectral properties of the transitions of type-B QPOs in MAXI~J1348--630, observed by \emph{Insight}-HXMT. The fractional rms variability--energy relationship and energy spectra reveal that type-B QPOs probably originate from jet precession. Compared to weak power-law dominated power spectrum, when type-B QPO is present, the corresponding energy spectrum shows an increase in Comptonization component and the need for {\tt\string xillverCp} component, and a slight increase of height of the corona when using {\tt\string relxilllp} model. Therefore, we suggest that a coupled inner disk-jet region is responsible for the observed type-B QPOs transitions. The time scale for the appearance/disappearance of type-B QPOs is either long or short (seconds), which may indicate an instability of disk-jet structure. For these phenomena, we give the hypothesis that the Bardeen-Petterson effect causes disk-jet structure to align with BH spin axis, or that the disappearance of small-scale jets bound by the magnetic flux tubes lead to the disappearance of type-B QPOs. We observed three events regarding the B/C transitions, one of which occurred in a short time from $\sim 9.2$ Hz (C) to $\sim 4.8$ Hz (B). The energy spectral analysis for the other two transitions shows that when type-C QPO is present, the Comptonization flux is higher, the spectrum is harder and the inner radius of disk changes insignificantly. We suggest that type-C QPOs probably originate from relatively stronger jets or corona. △ Less

Submitted 15 August, 2022; originally announced August 2022.

Comments: 26 pages, 9 figures

The peculiar spectral evolution of the new X-ray transient MAXI J0637-430

Authors: R. C. Ma, R. Soria, L. Tao, W. Zhang, J. L. Qu, S. N. Zhang, L. Zhang, E. L. Qiao, S. J. Zhao, M. Y. Ge, X. B. Li, Y. Huang, L. M. Song, S. Zhang, Q. C. Bu, Y. N. Wang, X. Ma, S. M. Jia

Abstract: We studied the transient Galactic black hole candidate MAXI J0637-430 with data from Insight-HXMT, Swift and XMM-Newton. The broad-band X-ray observations from Insight-HXMT help us constrain the power-law component. MAXI J0637-430 is located at unusually high Galactic latitude; if it belongs to the Galactic thick disk, we suggest a most likely distance <7 kpc. Compared with other black hole transi… ▽ More We studied the transient Galactic black hole candidate MAXI J0637-430 with data from Insight-HXMT, Swift and XMM-Newton. The broad-band X-ray observations from Insight-HXMT help us constrain the power-law component. MAXI J0637-430 is located at unusually high Galactic latitude; if it belongs to the Galactic thick disk, we suggest a most likely distance <7 kpc. Compared with other black hole transients, MAXI J0637-430 is also unusual for other reasons: a fast transition to the thermal dominant state at the start of the outburst; a low peak temperature and luminosity (we estimate them at ~ 0.7 keV and <0.1 times Eddington, respectively); a short decline timescale; a low soft-to-hard transition luminosity (<0.01 times Eddington). We argue that such properties are consistent with a small binary separation, short binary period (P ~ 2 hr), and low-mass donor star (M2 ~ 0.2 M_sun). Moreover, spectral modelling shows that a single disk-blackbody component is not a good fit to the thermal emission. Soft spectral residuals, and deviations from the standard L_disk ~ T^4 in relation, suggest the need for a second thermal component. We propose and discuss various scenarios for such component, in addition to those presented in previous studies of this source. For example, a gap in the accretion disk between a hotter inner ring near the innermost stable orbit, and a cooler outer disk. Another possibility is that the second thermal component is the thermal plasma emission from an ionized outflow. △ Less

Submitted 7 June, 2022; originally announced June 2022.

Variations of cyclotron resonant scattering features in Vela X-1 revealed with Insight-HXMT

Authors: Q. Liu, W. Wang, X. Chen, Y. Z. Ding, F. J. Lu, L. M. Song, J. L. Qu, S. Zhang, S. N. Zhang

Abstract: We present a detailed study of the high mass X-ray binary Vela X-1, using observations performed by Insight-HXMT in 2019 and 2020, concentrating on timing analysis and spectral studies including pulse phase-resolved spectroscopy. The cyclotron line energy is found to be at ~21-27 keV and 43-50 keV for the fundamental and first harmonic, respectively. We present the evolution of spectral parameters… ▽ More We present a detailed study of the high mass X-ray binary Vela X-1, using observations performed by Insight-HXMT in 2019 and 2020, concentrating on timing analysis and spectral studies including pulse phase-resolved spectroscopy. The cyclotron line energy is found to be at ~21-27 keV and 43-50 keV for the fundamental and first harmonic, respectively. We present the evolution of spectral parameters and find that two line centroid energy ratio E2/E1 evolved from ~2 before MJD 58900 to ~1.7 after that. The harmonic cyclotron line energy has no relation to the luminosity but the fundamental line energy shows a positive correlation with X-ray luminosity, suggesting that Vela X-1 is located in the sub-critical accreting regime. In addition, the pulse phase-resolved spectroscopy in Vela X-1 is performed. Both the CRSF and continuum parameters show strong variability over the pulse phase with the ratio of two line energies about 2 near the peak phases, and down to ~1.6 around off-peak phases. Long-term significant variations of the absorption column density and its evolution over the pulse phase may imply the existence of the clumpy wind structure near the neutron star. △ Less

Submitted 31 May, 2022; originally announced June 2022.

Comments: 10 pages, MNRAS in press

Wavelet analysis of MAXI J1535-571 with Insight-HXMT

Authors: X. Chen, W. Wang, B. You, P. F. Tian, Q. Liu, P. Zhang, Y. Z. Ding, J. L. Qu, S. N. Zhang, L. M. Song, F. J. Lu, S. Zhang

Abstract: In this paper, wavelet analysis is used to study spectral-timing properties of MAXI J1535-571 observed by Insight-HXMT. The low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) are detected in nine observations. Based on wavelet analysis, the time intervals with QPO and non-QPO are isolated separately, and the corresponding spectra with QPO and non-QPO are analyzed. We find that the spectra with QPO (… ▽ More In this paper, wavelet analysis is used to study spectral-timing properties of MAXI J1535-571 observed by Insight-HXMT. The low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) are detected in nine observations. Based on wavelet analysis, the time intervals with QPO and non-QPO are isolated separately, and the corresponding spectra with QPO and non-QPO are analyzed. We find that the spectra with QPO (hereafter QPO spectra) are softer than those without QPO (hereafter non-QPO spectra) in the hard intermediate state (HIMS). While in the soft intermediate state (SIMS), the QPO spectra are slightly harder. The disk temperature of QPO regime is slightly lower during HIMS, but becomes higher during SIMS. The cutoff energies of QPO spectra and non-QPO spectra do not show significant differences. The flux ratio of the disk to total flux is higher for the time intervals with non-QPO than that of QPO regime. We propose that these differences in the spectral properties between QPO and non-QPO regimes could be explained in the scenario of Lense-Thirring precession, and the reversal of the QPO/non-QPO behavior between HIMS and SIMS may be associated with appearance/disappearance of a type-B QPO which might origin from the precession of the jet. △ Less

Submitted 25 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

Comments: 13 pages, 9 figures in main part, and 3 figures in the appendix; MNRAS in press, the first submission in 2021-06

The accretion flow geometry of MAXI J1820+070 through broadband noise research with Insight-HXMT

Authors: Zi-Xu Yang, Liang Zhang, Qing-Cui Bu, Yue Huang, He-Xin Liu, Wei Yu, P. J. Wang, L. Tao, J. L. Qu, S. Zhang, S. N. Zhang, X. Ma, L. M. Song, S. M. Jia, M. Y. Ge, Q. Z. Liu, J. Z. Yan, D. K. Zhou, T. M. Li, B. Y. Wu, X. Q. Ren, R. C. Ma, Y. X. Zhang, Y. C. Xu, Y. F. Du , et al. (2 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Here we present a detailed study of the broadband noise in the power density spectra of the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1820+070 during the hard state of its 2018 outburst, using the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT) observations. The broadband noise shows two main humps, which might separately correspond to variability from a variable disk and two Comptonization regions. We fitted… ▽ More Here we present a detailed study of the broadband noise in the power density spectra of the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1820+070 during the hard state of its 2018 outburst, using the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT) observations. The broadband noise shows two main humps, which might separately correspond to variability from a variable disk and two Comptonization regions. We fitted the two humps with multiple Lorentzian functions and studied the energy-dependent properties of each component up to 100--150 keV and their evolution with spectral changes. The lowest frequency component is considered as the sub-harmonic of QPO component and shows different energy dependence compared with other broadband noise components. We found that although the fractional rms of all the broadband noise components mainly decrease with energy, their rms spectra are different in shape. Above $\sim$ 20--30 keV, the characteristic frequencies of these components increase sharply with energy, meaning that the high-energy component is more variable on short timescales. Our results suggest that the hot inner flow in MAXI J1820+070 is likely to be inhomogeneous. We propose a geometry with a truncated accretion disk, two Comptonization regions. △ Less

Submitted 7 April, 2022; v1 submitted 1 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

The Second Catalog of Interplanetary Network Localizations of Konus Short Duration Gamma-Ray Bursts

Authors: D. Svinkin, K. Hurley, A. Ridnaia, A. Lysenko, D. Frederiks, S. Golenetskii, A. Tsvetkova, M. Ulanov, A. Kokomov, T. L. Cline, I. Mitrofanov, D. Golovin, A. Kozyrev, M. Litvak, A. Sanin, A. Goldstein, M. S. Briggs, C. Wilson-Hodge, E. Burns, A. von Kienlin, X. -L. Zhang, A. Rau, V. Savchenko, E. Bozzo, C. Ferrigno , et al. (50 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the catalog of Interplanetary Network (IPN) localizations for 199 short-duration gamma-ray bursts (sGRBs) detected by the Konus-Wind (KW) experiment between 2011 January 1 and 2021 August 31, which extends the initial sample of IPN localized KW sGRBs (arXiv:1301.3740) to 495 events. We present the most comprehensive IPN localization data on these events, including probability sky maps i… ▽ More We present the catalog of Interplanetary Network (IPN) localizations for 199 short-duration gamma-ray bursts (sGRBs) detected by the Konus-Wind (KW) experiment between 2011 January 1 and 2021 August 31, which extends the initial sample of IPN localized KW sGRBs (arXiv:1301.3740) to 495 events. We present the most comprehensive IPN localization data on these events, including probability sky maps in HEALPix format. △ Less

Submitted 16 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: Published in ApJS

Journal ref: ApJS 259, 34 (2022)

Peculiar disk behaviors of the black hole candidate MAXI J1348-630 in the hard state observed by Insight-HXMT and Swift

Authors: W. Zhang, L. Tao, R. Soria, J. L. Qu, S. N. Zhang, S. S. Weng, L. zhang, Y. N. Wang, Y. Huang, R. C. Ma, S. Zhang, M. Y. Ge, L. M. Song, X. Ma, Q. C. Bu, C. Cai, X. L. Cao, Z. Chang, L. Chen, T. X. Chen, Y. B. Chen, Y. Chen, Y. P. Chen, W. W. Cui, Y. Y. Du , et al. (72 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present a spectral study of the black hole candidate MAXI J1348-630 during its 2019 outburst, based on monitoring observations with Insight-HXMT and Swift. Throughout the outburst, the spectra are well fitted with power-law plus disk-blackbody components. In the soft-intermediate and soft states, we observed the canonical relation L ~ T_in^4 between disk luminosity L and peak colour temperature… ▽ More We present a spectral study of the black hole candidate MAXI J1348-630 during its 2019 outburst, based on monitoring observations with Insight-HXMT and Swift. Throughout the outburst, the spectra are well fitted with power-law plus disk-blackbody components. In the soft-intermediate and soft states, we observed the canonical relation L ~ T_in^4 between disk luminosity L and peak colour temperature T_in, with a constant inner radius R_in (traditionally identified with the innermost stable circular orbit). At other stages of the outburst cycle, the behaviour is more unusual, inconsistent with the canonical outburst evolution of black hole transients. In particular, during the hard rise, the apparent inner radius is smaller than in the soft state (and increasing), and the peak colour temperature is higher (and decreasing). This anomalous behaviour is found even when we model the spectra with self-consistent Comptonization models, which take into account the up-scattering of photons from the disk component into the power-law component. To explain both those anomalous trends at the same time, we suggest that the hardening factor for the inner disk emission was larger than the canonical value of ~1.7 at the beginning of the outburst. A more physical trend of radii and temperature evolution requires a hardening factor evolving from ~3.5 at the beginning of the hard state to ~1.7 in the hard intermediate state. This could be evidence that the inner disk was in the process of condensing from the hot, optically thin medium and had not yet reached a sufficiently high optical depth for its emission spectrum to be described by the standard optically-thick disk solution. △ Less

Submitted 27 January, 2022; originally announced January 2022.

Comments: 20 pages, 10 figures, 4 tables, accepted by ApJ

Evolution of Accretion Modes between Spectral States Inferred from Spectral and Timing Analysis of Cygnus X-1 with Insight-HXMT observations

Authors: M. Z. Feng, L. D. Kong, P. J. Wang, S. N. Zhang, H. X. Liu, Z. X. Yang, Y. Huang, L. Ji, S. M. Jia, X. Ma, W. Yu, H. S. Zhao, J. Y. Nie, Y. L. Tuo, S. Zhang, J. L. Qu, B. B. Wu

Abstract: We execute a detailed spectral-timing study of Cygnus X-1 in the low/hard, intermediate and high/soft states with the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope observations. The broad band energy spectra fit well with the "truncated disk model" with the inner boundary of the accretion disk stays within $\sim$10 \textit R$_{\rm g}$ and moves inward as the source softens. Through studying of PDS, rms and Four… ▽ More We execute a detailed spectral-timing study of Cygnus X-1 in the low/hard, intermediate and high/soft states with the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope observations. The broad band energy spectra fit well with the "truncated disk model" with the inner boundary of the accretion disk stays within $\sim$10 \textit R$_{\rm g}$ and moves inward as the source softens. Through studying of PDS, rms and Fourier-frequency component resolved spectroscopy, we find that the X-ray variations are generated in two different regions for each state. We discover that the major role that contributes to the X-ray variation is the hot corona rather than the accretion disk. We suggest a scenario with different corona geometry for each state based on the truncated disk geometry in which the corona wraps up the disk to form a sandwich geometry in the low/hard state, and then gradually moves away from the disk in direction that is perpendicular to the disk until forming a jet-like geometry in the high/soft state. △ Less

Submitted 15 June, 2022; v1 submitted 21 January, 2022; originally announced January 2022.

Comments: 13 pages, 12 figures, and 3 tables, accepted for publication in ApJ

X-ray spectral-timing variability of 1A 0535+262 during the 2020 giant outburst

Authors: P. Reig, R. C. Ma, L. Tao, S. Zhang, S. N. Zhang, V. Doroshenko

Abstract: The Be/X-ray binary 1A 0535+262 underwent a giant X-ray outburst in November 2020, peaking at $\sim1\times 10^{38}$ erg s$^{-1}$ (1--100 keV, 1.8 kpc), the brightest outburst recorded for this source so far. Our goal is to search for patterns of correlated spectral and timing behavior that can be used to characterize the accretion states in hard X-ray transient pulsars. We have studied the evoluti… ▽ More The Be/X-ray binary 1A 0535+262 underwent a giant X-ray outburst in November 2020, peaking at $\sim1\times 10^{38}$ erg s$^{-1}$ (1--100 keV, 1.8 kpc), the brightest outburst recorded for this source so far. Our goal is to search for patterns of correlated spectral and timing behavior that can be used to characterize the accretion states in hard X-ray transient pulsars. We have studied the evolution of the spectral continuum emission using hardness-intensity diagrams and the aperiodic variability of the source. The hardness-intensity diagram displays three distinct branches that can be identified with different accretion regimes. The characteristic frequency of the noise components correlates with the luminosity. Our observations cover the highest end of this correlation, at luminosities not previously sampled. We have found evidence for a flattening of the correlation at those high luminosities, which might indicate that the accretion disk reached the closest distance from the neutron star surface during the peak of the outburst. We also find evidence for hysteresis in the spectral and timing parameters: at the same luminosity level, the spectrum is harder and the characteristic noise frequency larger during the rise than during the decay of the outburst. △ Less

Submitted 24 December, 2021; originally announced December 2021.

Journal ref: A&A 659, A178 (2022)