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Hard X-ray spectra of neutron stars and black hole candidatesThe hard X-ray behavior of several X-ray binary systems containing a neutron star or a black hole candidate is analyzed in an attempt to determine the specific signature of these categories of compact objects. Limiting the consideration to two subclasses of neutron stars, Atoll sources and non-pulsating Z sources, it appears that only the Atoll sources have a spectral behavior similar to black holes. It is proposed that Atoll sources are weakly magnetized neutron stars, whereas Z sources are small radius moderate magnetized neutron stars. Large magnetic fields funnel the accreting matter, thus preventing spherical accretion and free fall if the neutron star radius is smaller than the last stable accreting orbit. Weak magnetic fields do not have this effect, and blackbody soft photons from the stellar surface are upscattered on the relativistic infalling matter, leading to excess hard X-rays. This excess is visible in two of the observed Atoll sources and in the spectrum of a black hole candidate. In the case of a Z source, a lack of photons was remarked, providing a possible signature to distinguish between these classes of objects.
Document ID
19970025748
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Durouchoux, P.
(Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique Saclay France)
Mahoney, W.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Clenet, Y.
(Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique Saclay France)
Ling, J.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Wallyn, P.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Wheaton, W.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Corbet, S.
(Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique Saclay France)
Chapuis, C.
(Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique Saclay France)
Date Acquired
August 17, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1997
Publication Information
Publication: Proceedings of 2nd INTEGRAL Workshop 'The Transparent Universe'
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
97N25218
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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