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Register a new userHigh-Resolution X-ray Spectroscopy of Hercules X-1 with the XMM-Newton RGS: CNO Element Abundance Measurements and Density Diagnostics of a Photoionized Plasma
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Added by
Mario A. Jimenez-Garate
Publication date
2002
fields
Physics
and research's language is
English
Authors
M. A. Jimenez-Garate
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We analyze the high-resolution X-ray spectrum of Hercules X-1, an intermediate-mass X-ray binary, which was observed with the XMM-Newton Reflection Grating Spectrometer. We measure the elemental abundance ratios by use of spectral models, and we detect material processed through the CNO-cycle. The CNO abundances, and in particular the ratio N/O > 4.0 times solar, provide stringent constraints on the evolution of the binary system. The low and short-on flux states of Her X-1 exhibit narrow line emission from C VI, N VI, N VII, O VII, O VIII, Ne IX, and Ne X ions. The spectra show signatures of photoionization. We measure the electron temperature, quantify photoexcitation in the He alpha lines, and set limits on the location and density of the gas. The recombination lines may originate in the accretion disk atmosphere and corona, or on the X-ray illuminated face of the mass donor (HZ Her). The spectral variation over the course of the 35 d period provides additional evidence for the precession of the disk. During the main-on state, the narrow line emission is absent, but we detect excesses of emission at ~10--15 A, and also near the O VII intercombination line wavelength.
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First results from high-resolution coronal spectroscopy of flares with the Reflection Grating Spectrometers on board the textit{XMM-Newton} satellite are reviewed. Rotational modulation in the X-ray light curve of HR 1099 is discussed. Results from time-dependent spectroscopy of flares in the active stars HR 1099, AB Dor, YY Gem are also presented. Variations in the shape of the emission measure distributions, in the abundances and in the average density of the cool plasma are discussed.
We present the first high resolution photospheric X-ray spectrum of a Supersoft X-ray Source, the famous CAL~83 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The spectrum was obtained with the Reflection Grating Spectrometer on XMM-Newton during the Calibration/Performance Verification phase of the observatory. The spectrum covers the range 20-40 A at an approximately constant resolution of 0.05 A, and shows very significant, intricate detail, that is very sensitive to the physical properties of the object. We present the results of an initial investigation of the spectrum, from which we draw the conclusion that the spectral structure is probably dominated by numerous absorption features due to transitions in the L-shells of the mid-$Z$ elements and the M-shell of Fe, in addition to a few strong K-shell features due to CNO.
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