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Black Hole Spectral States and Physical ConnectionsThe dramatic changes seen in the X-ray spectral and timing properties of accreting black hole candidates (BHCs) provide important clues about the accretion and jet formation processes that occur in these systems. Dividing the different source behaviors into spectral states provides a framework for studying BHCs. To date, there have been three main classification schemes with Luminosity-based, Component-based, or Transition-based criteria. The canonical, Luminosity-based criteria and physical models that are based on this concept do not provide clear explanations for several phenomena, including hysteresis of spectral states and the presence of jets. I discuss the re-definitions of states, focusing on an application of the Component-based states to more than 400 RXTE observations of the recurrent BHC 4U 1630-47. We compare the X-ray properties for the recent 2002-2004 outburst to those of an earlier (1998) outburst, during which radio jets were observed. The results suggest a connection between hysteresis of states and major jet ejections, and it is possible that both of these are related to the evolution of the inner radius of the optically thick accretion disk.
Document ID
20070034202
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Tomsick, John A.
(California Univ., San Diego La Jolla, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
December 13, 2005
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in Space Research
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd.
Volume: 38
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-13055
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-12703
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG04GA49G
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG04GP08G
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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