Orbital phase-resolved spectroscopy of 4U 1538−52 with MAXI

Context. 4U 1538−52, an absorbed high mass X-ray binary with an orbital period of ~3.73 days, shows moderate orbital intensity modulations with a low level of counts during the eclipse. Several models have been proposed to explain the accretion at different orbital phases by a spherically symmetric stellar wind from the companion. Aims. The aim of this work is to study both the light curve and orbital phase spectroscopy of this source in the long term. In particular, we study the folded light curve and the changes in the spectral parameters with orbital phase to analyse the stellar wind of QV Nor, the mass donor of this binary system. Methods. We used all the observations made from the Gas Slit Camera on board MAXI of 4U 1538−52 covering many orbits continuously. We obtained the good interval times for all orbital phase ranges, which were the input for extracting our data. We estimated the orbital period of the system and then folded the light curves, and we fitted the X-ray spectra with the same model for every orbital phase spectrum. We also extracted the averaged spectrum of all the MAXI data available. Results. The MAXI spectra in the 2–20 keV energy range were fitted with an absorbed Comptonisation of cool photons on hot electrons. We found a strong orbital dependence of the absorption column density but neither the fluorescence iron emission line nor low energy excess were needed to fit the MAXI spectra. The variation in the spectral parameters over the binary orbit were used to examine the mode of accretion onto the neutron star in 4U 1538−52. We deduce a best value of Ṁ/v∞ = 0.65 × 10-9M⊙ yr-1/ (km s-1) for QV Nor.

On the formation and evolution of the first Be star in a black hole binary MWC 656

We find that the formation of MWC 656 (the first Be binary containing a black hole) involves a common envelope phase and a supernova explosion. This result supports the idea that a rapidly rotating Be star can emerge out of a common envelope phase, which is very intriguing because this evolutionary stage is thought to be too fast to lead to significant accretion and spin up of the B star. We predict ∼10–100 of B-BH binaries to currently reside in the Galactic disc, among which around 1/3 contain a Be star, but there is only a small chance to observe a system with parameters resembling MWC 656. If MWC 656 is representative of intrinsic Galactic Be-BH binary population, it may indicate that standard evolutionary theory needs to be revised. This would pose another evolutionary problem in understanding black hole (BH) binaries, with BH X-ray novae formation issue being the prime example. Future evolution of MWC 656 with an ∼5 M⊙ BH and with an ∼13 M⊙ main-sequence companion on an ∼60 d orbit may lead to the formation of a coalescing BH–NS (neutron star) system. The estimated Advanced LIGO/Virgo detection rate of such systems is up to ∼0.2 yr−1. This empirical estimate is a lower limit as it is obtained with only one particular evolutionary scenario, the MWC 656 binary. This is only a third such estimate available (after Cyg X-1 and Cyg X-3), and it lends additional support to the existence of so far undetected BH–NS binaries.

On the Radial Onset of Clumping in the Wind of the B0I Massive Star QV Nor

We present an analysis of a 78 ks Chandra high-energy transmission gratings observation of the B0I star QV Nor, the massive donor of the wind-accreting pulsar 4U1538−52. The neutron star (NS) orbits its companion in a very close orbit (r < 1.4R*, in units of the stellar radii), thereby allowing probing of the innermost wind regions. The flux of the Fe Kα line during eclipse reduces to only ∼30% of the flux measured out of eclipse. This indicates that the majority of Fe fluorescence must be produced in regions close to the NS, at distances smaller than 1R* from its surface. The fact that the flux of the continuum decreases to only ∼3% during eclipse allows for a high contrast of the Fe Kα line fluorescence during eclipse. The line is not resolved and centered at 1.9368 0.0018 l = 0.0032 - + Å. From the inferred plasma speed limit of v < c l < 800 l D km s−1 and range of ionization parameters of log 1, 2 x = [- ], together with the stellar density profile, we constrain the location of the cold, dense material in the stellar wind of QV Nor using simple geometrical considerations. We then use the Fe Kα line fluorescence as a tracer of wind clumps and determine that these clumps in the stellar wind of QV Nor (B0I) must already be present at radii r < 1.25R*, close to the photosphere of the star.

The Goodness of Simultaneous Fits in ISIS

In a previous work, we introduced a tool for analyzing multiple datasets simultaneously, which has been implemented into ISIS. This tool was used to fit many spectra of X-ray binaries. However, the large number of degrees of freedom and individual datasets raise an issue about a good measure for a simultaneous fit quality. We present three ways to check the goodness of these fits: we investigate the goodness of each fit in all datasets, we define a combined goodness exploiting the logical structure of a simultaneous fit, and we stack the fit residuals of all datasets to detect weak features. These tools are applied to all RXTE-spectra from GRO 1008−57, revealing calibration features that are not detected significantly in any single spectrum. Stacking the residuals from the best-fit model for the Vela X-1 and XTE J1859+083 data evidences fluorescent emission lines that would have gone undetected otherwise.

Measuring the stellar wind parameters in IGR J17544-2619 and Vela X-1 constrains the accretion physics in supergiant fast X-ray transient and classical supergiant X-ray binaries

Context. Classical supergiant X-ray binaries (SGXBs) and supergiant fast X-ray transients (SFXTs) are two types of high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) that present similar donors but, at the same time, show very different behavior in the X-rays. The reason for this dichotomy of wind-fed HMXBs is still a matter of debate. Among the several explanations that have been proposed, some of them invoke specific stellar wind properties of the donor stars. Only dedicated empiric analysis of the donors’ stellar wind can provide the required information to accomplish an adequate test of these theories. However, such analyses are scarce. Aims. To close this gap, we perform a comparative analysis of the optical companion in two important systems: IGR J17544-2619 (SFXT) and Vela X-1 (SGXB). We analyze the spectra of each star in detail and derive their stellar and wind properties. As a next step, we compare the wind parameters, giving us an excellent chance of recognizing key differences between donor winds in SFXTs and SGXBs. Methods. We use archival infrared, optical and ultraviolet observations, and analyze them with the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) Potsdam Wolf-Rayet model atmosphere code. We derive the physical properties of the stars and their stellar winds, accounting for the influence of X-rays on the stellar winds. Results. We find that the stellar parameters derived from the analysis generally agree well with the spectral types of the two donors: O9I (IGR J17544-2619) and B0.5Iae (Vela X-1). The distance to the sources have been revised and also agree well with the estimations already available in the literature. In IGR J17544-2619 we are able to narrow the uncertainty to d = 3.0 ± 0.2 kpc. From the stellar radius of the donor and its X-ray behavior, the eccentricity of IGR J17544-2619 is constrained to e< 0.25. The derived chemical abundances point to certain mixing during the lifetime of the donors. An important difference between the stellar winds of the two stars is their terminal velocities (ν∞ = 1500 km s-1 in IGR J17544-2619 and ν∞ = 700 km s-1 in Vela X-1), which have important consequences on the X-ray luminosity of these sources. Conclusions. The donors of IGR J17544-2619 and Vela X-1 have similar spectral types as well as similar parameters that physically characterize them and their spectra. In addition, the orbital parameters of the systems are similar too, with a nearly circular orbit and short orbital period. However, they show moderate differences in their stellar wind velocity and the spin period of their neutron star which has a strong impact on the X-ray luminosity of the sources. This specific combination of wind speed and pulsar spin favors an accretion regime with a persistently high luminosity in Vela X-1, while it favors an inhibiting accretion mechanism in IGR J17544-2619. Our study demonstrates that the relative wind velocity is critical in class determination for the HMXBs hosting a supergiant donor, given that it may shift the accretion mechanism from direct accretion to propeller regimes when combined with other parameters.

Multiwavelength study of the fast rotating supergiant high-mass X-ray binary IGR J16465−4507

Context. Since its launch, the X-ray and γ-ray observatory INTEGRAL satellite has revealed a new class of high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXB) displaying fast flares and hosting supergiant companion stars. Optical and infrared (OIR) observations in a multi-wavelength context are essential to understand the nature and evolution of these newly discovered celestial objects. Aims. The goal of this multiwavelength study (from ultraviolet to infrared) is to characterise the properties of IGR J16465−4507, to confirm its HMXB nature and that it hosts a supergiant star. Methods. We analysed all OIR, photometric and spectroscopic observations taken on this source, carried out at ESO facilities. Results. Using spectroscopic data, we constrained the spectral type of the companion star between B0.5 and B1 Ib, settling the debate on the true nature of this source. We measured a high rotation velocity of v = 320 ± 8km s-1 from fitting absorption and emission lines in a stellar spectral model. We then built a spectral energy distribution from photometric observations to evaluate the origin of the different components radiating at each energy range. Conclusions. We finally show that, having accurately determined the spectral type of the early-B supergiant in IGR J16465−4507, we firmly support its classification as an intermediate supergiant fast X-ray transient (SFXT).

(Bio)funcionalização de superfícies nanoestruturadas para eletrocatálise e desenvolvimento de biossensores eletroquímicos e óticos

Tese de doutoramento, Química (Química Física), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2016

Structure and chemistry of TECHNO encrustations

Using as a starting point the results giving 'traditional' growth rates as determined by the decrease of radioelements (part I) and the hypothesis of rapid formation, the different mineralogical, structure and chemical characteristics of the sample have been studied to try to understand the possible mode of formation of this encrustation. A rapid formation would account for (1) the very peculiar structure of the sample composed of oriented botryoids and the bundle-like structure of the outermost oxide layer; (2) the fact that this sample represents a substitution of a preexisting hyaloclastite; (3) the different chemical gradients, mainly iron, thorium and uranium; (4) the fact that this sample which cannot have been maintained at the sediment-water interface by bioturbation is not covered by a great thickness of sediments. On the other hand, an unsolved problem remains: Why different radionuclides used for dating give growth rates of the same order of magnitude and different 'exposition ages'.

A study of the effect of high yield criteria for emergency room skull radiography /

Mode of access: Internet.

Survey of non-destructive tire inspection techniques. Preliminary memorandum.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Experiment in assessing color separation techniques for identifying small density variations in tires. Interim report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Research Institute, Washington, D.C.

Static brake inspection investigation. Volume 3 - appendices. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

La Radiologia medica : rivista mensile.

Editor: 1914- F. Perussia.

Opusculos,

Edition statements in books refer to reprints.

The poems of Algernon Charles Swinburne.

Title page lettered in red and black.