A Search for Periodicity in the X-Ray Spectrum of Black Hole Candidate A0620-00
Abstract
Using archival data from the MIT X-Ray Observatory on board the SAS-3 satellite, we have produced refined X-ray light curves of the X-ray nova A0620- 00 during its initial outburst and subsequent decay. We use data from similar observations of the Crab Nebula to generate elevation dependent response functions for the SAS-3 detectors and to develop objective criteria for perfecting the A0620 data in the energy ranges 1.3 - 5 keV and 5 - 13 keV. We then analyzed the A0620 light curves and the hardness ratio for evidence of periodicity. In particular, we searched for evidence of the 7.75h orbital period found in optical observations by McClintock and Remillard (1986). Using a Monte Carlo simulation, we showed that the 3 sigma upper limit on the amplitude of oscillation in the harness ratio is 3.2%. We also searched for the 7.8d period reported by Matilsky et al. (1976). We found three cycles of a 7.8d oscillation in a 22 day section of the data with a approximately 40% amplitude. However in the remainder of the data, in excess of 200 days, we were able to place 3 sigma upper limits on the intensity amplitude of 2.2% before the section and 7.3% after. We therefore find no evidence to substantiate a persistent 7.8 day period. We conclude that the system exhibits little to no persistent X-ray periodicity at any frequency. We also conclude that high inclination angle models of the system where the accretion disk is fed via Roche lobe overflow are not appropriate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA239488
Entities
People
- Kenneth Plaks
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology