Search results for " X-ray source"
showing 9 items of 9 documents
A comprensive spectral-timing study of Ultraluminous X-ray sources
2023
The X‐ray emission of the supernova remnant W49B: indications of a jet‐like explosion
2007
We report on an XMM-Newton EPIC observation of the galactic supernova remnant W49B, which, on the basis of previous Chandra observations, has been supposed to be the first remnant of a gamma-ray burst discovered in our galaxy. We performed a spatially resolved spectral analysis, which revealed oversolar abundances of Si, S, Ar, Ca, and Fe. Moreover, a high overabundance of Ni is required in the bright central elongated region. Our results support a scenario where the remnant was generated by an asymmetric bipolar explosion where the eastern jet is hotter and more Fe-rich than the western one. An alternative interpretation which associates the X-ray emission with spherically symmetric ejecta…
The Large Area Detector of LOFT: the Large Observatory for X-ray Timing
2014
LOFT (Large Observatory for X-ray Timing) is one of the five candidates that were considered by ESA as an M3 mission (with launch in 2022-2024) and has been studied during an extensive assessment phase. It is specifically designed to perform fast X-ray timing and probe the status of the matter near black holes and neutron stars. Its pointed instrument is the Large Area Detector (LAD), a 10 m 2 -class instrument operating in the 2-30keV range, which holds the capability to revolutionise studies of variability from X-ray sources on the millisecond time scales. The LAD instrument has now completed the assessment phase but was not down-selected for launch. However, during the assessment, most o…
The Space Weather X-Ray spectrometer for the Helianthus sub-L1 mission with solar photonic propulsion
2022
Copyright 2022 Society of Photo‑Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this publication for a fee or for commercial purposes, and modification of the contents of the publication are prohibited. Helianthus is a phase A study of a space weather station with solar photonic propulsion. The scientific payload will be made of: an X-ray spectrometer to detect solar flares; SailCor, a coronagraph with a wide field of view; a plasma analyzer; a magnetometer. The maximum allowed mass for the entire scientific payload shall not exceed 5 kg. The two imaging devices…
High Resolution Spectroscopy of 4U 1728-34 from a Simultaneous Chandra-RXTE Observation
2004
We report on a simultaneous Chandra and RossiXTE observation of the LMXB atoll bursting source 4U 1728-34 performed on 2002 March 3-5. We fitted the 1.2-35 keV continuum spectrum with a blackbody plus a Comptonized component. An overabundance of Si by a factor of ~2 with respect to Solar abundance is required for a satisfactory fit. Large residuals at 6-10 keV can be fitted by a broad (FWHM ~ 1.6 keV) Gaussian emission line, or, alternatively, by absorption edges associated with Fe I and Fe XXV at ~7.1 keV and ~9 keV, respectively. In this interpretation, we find no evidence of a broad, or narrow Fe Kalpha line, between 6 and 7 keV. We tested our alternative modeling of the iron Kalpha regi…
Quasi-periodic dipping in the ultraluminous X-ray source, NGC 247 ULX-1
2021
Most ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) are believed to be stellar mass black holes or neutron stars accreting beyond the Eddington limit. Determining the nature of the compact object and the accretion mode from broadband spectroscopy is currently a challenge, but the observed timing properties provide insight into the compact object and details of the geometry and accretion processes. Here we report a timing analysis for an 800 ks XMM-Newton campaign on the supersoft ultraluminous X-ray source, NGC 247 ULX-1. Deep and frequent dips occur in the X-ray light curve, with the amplitude increasing with increasing energy band. Power spectra and coherence analysis reveals the dipping preferential…
Properties of Swift's intermediate bursts
2011
Based on their prompt, high-energy emission, gamma-ray bursts are usually classified into short-duration and long-duration classes. A third intermediate group has been identified on statistical grounds but its individual properties have not yet been studied in detail. Using the large sample of follow-up observations of GRBs produced during the Swift era we analyze the individual characteristics of this group. We find that intermediate bursts are significantly different from short GRBs but share many properties with long bursts, probably pointing to a common progenitor type. However, we find that intermediate bursts are significantly dimmer and have on average lower redshifts. Based on their…
Steering of a Sub-GeV electron beam through planar channeling enhanced by rechanneling
2014
We report the observation of efficient steering of a 855 MeV electron beam at MAMI (MAinzer MIkrotron) facilities by means of planar channeling and volume reflection in a bent silicon crystal. A $30.5\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ thick plate of (211) oriented Si was bent to cause quasimosaic deformation of the (111) crystallographic planes, which were used for coherent interaction with the electron beam. The experimental results are analogous to those recorded some years ago at energy higher than 100 GeV, which is the only comparable study to date. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated that rechanneling plays a considerable role in a particle's dynamics and hinders the spoiling…
Simbol-X Mirror Module Thermal Shields: II-Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Measurements
2009
The formation flight configuration of the Simbol-X mission implies that the X-ray mirror module will be open to Space on both ends. In order to reduce the power required to maintain the thermal stability and, therefore, the high angular resolution of the shell optics, a thin foil thermal shield will cover the mirror module. Different options are presently being studied for the foil material of these shields. We report results of an experimental investigation conducted to verify that the scattering of X-rays, by interaction with the thin foil material of the thermal shield, will not significantly affect the performances of the telescope.