We have previously applied several models of high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HF QPOs) to estimate the spin of the central Kerr black hole in the three Galactic microquasars, GRS 1915+105, GRO J1655-40, and XTE J1550-564. Here we explore t
he alternative possibility that the central compact body is a super-spinning object (or a naked singularity) with the external space-time described by Kerr geometry with a dimensionless spin parameter a = cJ/GM2 > 1.We calculate the relevant spin intervals for a subset of HF QPO models considered in the previous study. Our analysis indicates that for all but one of the considered models there exists at least one interval of a > 1 that is compatible with constraints given by the ranges of the central compact object mass independently estimated for the three sources. For most of the models, the inferred values of a are several times higher than the extreme Kerr black hole value a = 1. These values may be too high since the spin of superspinars is often assumed to rapidly decrease due to accretion when a >> 1. In this context, we conclude that only the epicyclic and the Keplerian resonance model provides estimates that are compatible with the expectation of just a small deviation from a = 1.
We consider twin-peak quasi-periodic oscillations observed in the accreting low-mass neutron star binaries and explore restrictions to central compact object properties that are implied by various QPO models. For each model and each source, the consi
deration results in a specific relation between the compact object mass $M$ and the angular-momentum $j$ rather than in their single preferred combination. Moreover, restrictions on the models resulting from observations of the low-frequency sources are weaker than those in the case of the high-frequency sources.
The black hole mass and spin estimates assuming various specific models of the 3:2 high frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HF QPOs) have been carried out in Torok et al. (2005, 2011). Here we briefly summarize some current points. Spectral fittin
g of the spin a=cJ/GM^2 in the microquasar GRS 1915+105 reveals that this system can contain a near extreme rotating black hole (e.g., McClintock et al. 2011). Confirming the high value of the spin would have significant consequences for the theory of the HF QPOs. The estimate of a>0.9 is almost inconsistent with the relativistic precession (RP), tidal disruption (TD), and the warped disc (WD) model. The epicyclic resonance (Ep) and discoseismic models assuming the c- and g- modes are instead favoured. However, consideration of all three microquasars that display the 3:2 HF QPOs leads to a serious puzzle because the differences in the individual spins, such as a=0.9 compared to a=0.7, represent a generic problem almost for any unified orbital 3:2 QPO model.
Spectral fitting of the spin a in the microquasar GRS 1915+105 estimate values higher than a=0.98. However, there are certain doubts about this (nearly) extremal number. Confirming a high value of a>0.9 would have significant concequences for the the
ory of high-frequency quasiperiodic oscillations (HF QPOs). Here we discuss its possible implications assuming several commonly used orbital models of 3:2 HF QPOs. We show that the estimate of a>0.9 is almost inconsistent with two hot-spot (relativistic precession and tidal disruption) models and the warped disc resonance model. In contrast, we demonstrate that the epicyclic resonance and discoseismic models assuming the c- and g- modes are favoured. We extend our discussion to another two microquasars that display the 3:2 HF QPOs. The frequencies of these QPOs scale roughly inversely to the microquasar masses, and the differences in the individual spins, such as a=0.9 compared to a=0.7, represent a generic problem for most of the discussed geodesic 3:2 QPO models. To explain the observations of all the three microquasars by one unique mechanism, the models would have to accommodate very large non-geodesic corrections.
The high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HF QPOs) that appear in the X-ray fluxes of low-mass X-ray binaries remain an unexplained phenomenon. Among other ideas, it has been suggested that a non-linear resonance between two oscillation modes i
n an accretion disc orbiting either a black hole or a neutron star plays a role in exciting the observed modulation. Several possible resonances have been discussed. A particular model assumes resonances in which the disc-oscillation modes have the eigenfrequencies equal to the radial and vertical epicyclic frequencies of geodesic orbital motion. This model has been discussed for black hole microquasar sources as well as for a group of neutron star sources. Assuming several neutron (strange) star equations of state and Hartle-Thorne geometry of rotating stars, we briefly compare the frequencies expected from the model to those observed. Our comparison implies that the inferred neutron star radius RNS is larger than the related radius of the marginally stable circular orbit rms for nuclear matter equations of state and spin frequencies up to 800Hz. For the same range of spin and a strange star (MIT) equation of state, the inferrred radius RNS is roughly equal to rms. The Paczynski modulation mechanism considered within the model requires that RNS < rms. However, we find this condition to be fulfilled only for the strange matter equation of state, masses below one solar mass, and spin frequencies above 800Hz. This result most likely falsifies the postulation of the neutron star 3:2 resonant eigenfrequencies being equal to the frequencies of geodesic radial and vertical epicyclic modes. We suggest that the 3:2 epicyclic modes could stay among the possible choices only if a fairly non-geodesic accretion flow is assumed, or if a different modulation mechanism operates.
