Multiwavelength spectral and high time resolution observations of SWIFT J1753.5-0127: new activity?


Abstract in English

We have conducted an extensive observational campaign of SWIFT J1753.5-0127 during June 2007 after its bright outburst episode in 2005. We have performed multi-band optical photometry, optical spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy and timing and ULTRACAM optical photometry simultaneously in three bands. Both the optical spectrum and the X-ray spectrum, along with enhanced brightness in broad-band photometry point to recent increased activity. We analyze the different spectral regions, finding a smooth optical continuum with a remarkable lack of lines and a very blue component modulated with a period of 3.2hr and a hard power-law X-ray spectrum. Both the X-ray and optical power spectra are flat at low frequencies up to the 0.1 Hz (10 s) range, then decreasing roughly as a power law consistent with flickering. Furthermore, the optical data show quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) near 0.08 Hz (13 s). Together with a dynamical and auto-correlation analysis of the light curves we attempt to construct a complete physical picture of this intriguing system.

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