Probing the neutron star spin evolution in the young SMC Be/X-ray binary SXP 1062

The newly discovered Be/X-ray binary in the Small Magellanic Cloud, SXP 1062, provides the first example of a robust association with a supernova remnant (SNR). The short age estimated for the SNR qualifies SXP 1062 as the youngest known source in its class, tau ~ 1e4 yr. As such, it allows to test current models of magneto-rotational evolution of neutron stars ina still unexplored regime. Here we discuss possible evolutionary scenarios for SXP 1062 in the attempt to reconcile its long spin period, P=1062 s, and short age. Although several options can be considered, like an anomalously long initial period or the presence of a fossil disc, our results indicate that SXP 1062 may host a neutron star born with a large initial magnetic field, typically in excess of ~ 1e14 G, which then decayed to ~ 1e13 G.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure, modified to incorporate referee's points, accepted for publication in MNRA

Where Are Be/black-hole Binaries?

We apply the tidal truncation model proposed by Negueruela & Okazaki(2001) to arbitrary Be/compact star binaries to study the truncation efficiency dependance on the binary parameters. We find that the viscous decretion disks around the Be stars could be truncated very effectively in narrow systems. Combining this with the population synthesis results of Podsiadlowski, Rappaport and Han (2003) that binary black holes are most likely to be born in systems with orbital periods less than about 30 days, we suggest that most of the Be/black-hole binaries may be transient systems with very long quiescent states. This could explain the lack of observed Be/black-hole X-ray binaries. We also discuss the evolution of the Be/black-hole binaries and their possible observational features.Comment: 14 pages,3 figures, ApJ accepte

SSS in young stellar populations and the "prompt" component of Type Ia supernovae

We present the results of a search for UV and optical counterparts of the SSS population in M31. We find that out of the 56 sources we included in our search, 16 are associated with regions of ongoing or recent star formation. We discuss two particularly interesting sources that are identified optically as early type stars, one of which displayed long term X-ray evolution similar to that observed in classical novae. We discuss the physical origin of supersoft X-rays in these and the other SSS in young regions, and their possible link to the so-called "prompt" component of the Type Ia supernova population.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures; Proceedings of workshop "Supersoft X-ray Sources - New Developments", ESAC, May 2009; accepted for publication in Astronomische Nachrichte

Could SXP 1062 be an Accreting Magnetar?

In this work we explore the possible evolutionary track of the neutron star in the newly discovered Be/X-ray binary SXP 1062, which is believed to be the first X-ray pulsar associated with a supernova remnant. Although no cyclotron feature has been detected to indicate the strength of the neutron star's magnetic field, we show that it may be \ga 10^{14} G. If so SXP 1062 may belong to the accreting magnetars in binary systems. We attempt to reconcile the short age and long spin period of the pulsar taking account of different initial parameters and spin-down mechanisms of the neutron star. Our calculated results show that, to spin down to a period $\sim 1000$s within $10-40$kyr requires efficient propeller mechanisms. In particular, the model for angular momentum loss under energy conservation seems to be ruled out.Comment: 19 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Ap

Detection of compact objects by means of gravitational lensing in binary systems

We consider the gravitational magnification of light for binary systems containing two compact objects: white dwarfs, a white dwarf and a neutron star or a white dwarf and a black hole. Light curves of the flares of the white dwarf caused by this effect were built in analytical approximations and by means of numerical calculations. We estimate the probability of the detection of these events in our Galaxy for different types of binaries and show that gravitational lensing provides a tool for detecting such systems. We propose to use the facilities of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) to search for these flares. It is possible to detect several dozens compact object pairs in such a programme over 5 years. This programme is apparently the best way to detect stellar mass black holes with open event horizons.Comment: 15 pages, 11 figures; Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysic

On the nature of the Be star HR 7409 (7 Vul)

HR 7409 (7 Vul) is a newly identified Be star possibly part of the Gould Belt and is the massive component of a 69-day spectroscopic binary. The binary parameters and properties of the Be star measured using high-dispersion spectra obtained at Ondrejov Observatory and at Rozhen Observatory imply the presence of a low mass companion (~ 0.5-0.8 M_sun). If the pair is relatively young (<50-80 Myr), then the companion is a K V star, but, following another, older evolutionary scenario, the companion is a horizontal-branch star or possibly a white dwarf star. In the latter scenario, a past episode of mass transfer from an evolved star onto a less massive dwarf star would be responsible for the peculiar nature of the present-day, fast-rotating Be star.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRA

BeppoSAX survey of Be/X-ray binary candidates

We present a BeppoSAX survey of five Be/X-ray binary candidates. We report on the identification of two of them, HD 110432 and HD 141926, as low luminosity Be/X-ray binaries. For HD 110432 we report on the detection of a pulsation period of ~14 ks. Because the luminosity of these sources is low and their spectra do not require non-thermal emission models, these systems are good Be+White Dwarf candidates. If the pulsation period for HD 110432 is confirmed, this system would be the most firm Be+WD candidate found up to date. The other three objects HD 65663, HD 249179 and BD+53 2262 did not show detectable X-ray emission. We argue that, while the properties of BD+53 2262 are still consistent with a quiescent Be+Neutron Star scenario, the lack of detection for the other two objects implies that they are most probably not X-ray binaries.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in A&

Luminosity function of binary X-ray sources calculated using the Scenario Machine

Using the ``Scenario Machine'' we have carried out a population synthesis of X-ray binaries for the purpose of modelling of X-ray luminosity functions (XLFs) in different types of galaxies: star burst, spiral, and elliptical. This computer code allows to calculate, by using Monte Carlo simulations, the evolution of a large ensemble of binary systems, with proper accounting for the spin evolution of magnetized neutron stars. We show that the XLF has no universal type. It depends on the star formation rate in the galaxy. Also it is of importance to take into account the evolution of binary systems and life times of X-ray stages in theoretical models of such functions. We have calculated cumulative and differential XLFs for the galaxy with the constant star formation rate. Also we have calculated cumulative luminosity functions for different intervals of time after the star formation burst in the galaxy and curves depicting the evolution of the X-ray luminosity after the star formation burst in the galaxy.Comment: 22 pages, 13 figure

Supernova Kicks and Misaligned Be Star Binaries

Be stars are rapidly spinning B stars surrounded by an outflowing disc of gas in Keplerian rotation. Be star/X-ray binary systems contain a Be star and a neutron star. They are found to have non-zero eccentricities and there is evidence that some systems have a misalignment between the spin axis of the star and the spin axis of the binary orbit. The eccentricities in these systems are thought to be caused by a kick to the neutron star during the supernova that formed it. Such kicks would also give rise to misalignments. In this paper we investigate the extent to which the same kick distribution can give rise to both the observed eccentricity distribution and the observed misalignments. We find that a Maxwellian distribution of velocity kicks with a low velocity dispersion, $\sigma_k \approx 15\rm km s^{-1}$, is consistent with the observed eccentricity distribution but is hard to reconcile with the observed misalignments, typically $i \ge 25^\circ$. Alternatively a higher velocity kick distribution, $\sigma_k = 265 \rm km s^{-1}$, is consistent with the observed misalignments but not with the observed eccentricities, unless post-supernova circularisation of the binary orbits has taken place. We discuss briefly how this might be achieved.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRA

The transient X-ray pulsar 4U 0115+63 from quiescence to outburst through the centrifugal transition

We report on a BeppoSAX observation of the transient X-ray pulsar 4U 0115+63 close to periastron. This led to the discovery of a dramatic luminosity variation from ~2x10^34 erg/s to ~5x10^36 erg/s (factor ~250) in less than 15 hr. The variation was accompanied by only minor (if any) changes in the emitted spectrum and pulse fraction. On the contrary an observation near apastron detected the source in a nearly constant state at a level of ~2x10^33 erg/s. Direct accretion onto the neutron star surface encounters major difficulties in explaining the source variability properties. When the different regimes expected for a rotating magnetic neutron star subject to a variable inflow of matter from its companion are taken into consideration, the results of BeppoSAX observations of 4U 0115+63 can be explained naturally. In particular close to apastron, the regime of centrifugal inhibition of accretion applies, whereas the dramatic source flux variability observed close to periastron is readily interpreted as the transition regime between direct neutron star accretion and the propeller regime. In this centrifugal transition regime small variations of the mass inflow rate give rise to very large luminosity variations. We present a simple model for this transition, which we successfully apply to the X-ray flux and pulse fraction variations measured by BeppoSAX.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, 1 table (requires emulateapj macro). Accepted for publication on Ap