English

Unlocking the nature of ultraluminous X-ray sources using their X-ray spectra

High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena 2015-05-27 v1

Abstract

We explore the nature of ultraluminous X-ray sources through detailed investigations of their spectral shape using some of the highest quality data available in the XMM-Newton public archives. Phenomenological models allow us to characterise their spectra, while more 'physically-motivated' models enable us to explore the physical processes underlying these characteristics. These physical models imply the presence of extreme (probably super-Eddington) accretion on to stellar mass black holes.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1101.4859,
  title  = {Unlocking the nature of ultraluminous X-ray sources using their X-ray spectra},
  author = {Jeanette C. Gladstone and Timothy P. Roberts and Chris Done},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1101.4859},
  year   = {2015}
}

Comments

Accepted for publication in Astronomische Nachrichten, to appear in the proceedings of the conference "Ultraluminous X-ray sources and Middle Weight Black Holes" (Madrid, May 24-26, 2010)