scholarly journals Atomic X-ray spectroscopy of accreting black holes

2005 ◽  
Vol 83 (12) ◽  
pp. 1179-1242 ◽  
Author(s):  
D A Liedahl ◽  
D F Torres
Keyword(s):  
Black Holes ◽  
General Relativity ◽  
Accretion Disk ◽  
Accretion Disks ◽  
Strong Field ◽  
Electromagnetic Spectrum ◽  
Field Equations ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Luminous Objects

Current astrophysical research suggests that the most persistently luminous objects in the Universe are powered by the flow of matter through accretion disks onto black holes. Accretion disk systems are observed to emit copious radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, each energy band providing access to rather distinct regimes of physical conditions and geometric scale. X-ray emission probes the innermost regions of the accretion disk, where relativistic effects prevail. While this has been known for decades, it also has been acknowledged that inferring physical conditions in the relativistic regime from the behavior of the X-ray continuum is problematic and not satisfactorily constraining. With the discovery in the 1990s of iron X-ray lines bearing signatures of relativistic distortion came the hope that such emission would more firmly constrain models of disk accretion near black holes, as well as provide observational criteria by which to test general relativity in the strong field limit. Here, we provide an introduction to this phenomenon. While the presentation is intended to be primarily tutorial in nature, we aim also to acquaint the reader with trends in current research. To achieve these ends, we present the basic applications of general relativity that pertain to X-ray spectroscopic observations of black hole accretion-disk systems, focusing on the Schwarzschild and Kerr solutions to the Einstein field equations. To this, we add treatments of the fundamental concepts associated with the theoretical and modeling aspects of accretion disks, as well as relevant topics from observational and theoretical X-ray spectroscopy.PACS Nos.: 32.30.Rj, 32.80.Hd, 95.30.Dr, 95.30.Sf, 95.85.Nv, 97.10.Gz. 97.80.Jp, 98.35.Mp, 98.62.Mw

scholarly journals Non-Linear Resonances in Accretion Disks and QPOs

2004 ◽  
Vol 194 ◽  
pp. 128-129
Author(s):  
Włodek Kluźniak
Keyword(s):  
Black Holes ◽  
Neutron Stars ◽  
Accretion Disk ◽  
Accretion Disks ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Light Curves ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
X Ray Binaries

AbstractNon-linear oscillations in the accretion disk are favored as an explanation of high-frequency QPOs observed in the light curves of low-mass X-ray binaries containing neutron stars, black holes, or white dwarfs.

AGN accretion disk physics using H2O megamasers

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (S336) ◽  
pp. 125-128
Author(s):  
Dominic Pesce ◽  
James Braatz ◽  
James Condon ◽  
Feng Gao ◽  
Christian Henkel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Holes ◽  
Accretion Disk ◽  
Accretion Disks ◽  
Population Inversion ◽  
Supermassive Black Holes ◽  
Shock Model ◽  
Single System ◽  
Gas Temperature ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Water Maser

AbstractMany accretion disks surrounding supermassive black holes in nearby AGN are observed to host 22 GHz water maser activity. We have analyzed single-dish 22 GHz spectra taken with the GBT to identify 32 such “Keplerian disk systems,” which we used to investigate maser excitation and explore the possibility of disk reverberation. Our results do not support a spiral shock model for population inversion in these disks, and we find that any reverberating signal propagating radially outwards from the AGN must constitute <10% of the total observed maser variability. Additionally, we have used ALMA to begin exploring the variety of sub-mm water megamasers that are also predicted, and in the case of the 321 GHz transition found, to be present in these accretion disks. By observing multiple masing transitions within a single system, we can better constrain the physical conditions (e.g., gas temperature and density) in the accretion disk.

scholarly journals Accretion Disk Coronae

1989 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 535-538
Author(s):  
Max Kuperus
Keyword(s):  
Black Holes ◽  
Neutron Stars ◽  
Accretion Disk ◽  
Accretion Disks ◽  
Magnetic Activity ◽  
Compact Objects ◽  
Time Variability ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Coronal Structures

SummaryAccretion disk coronae around compact objects are the result of strong magnetic activity in the inner regions of accretion disks. Part of the accreting energy is dissipated in te corona and can be observed as hard X-ray emission with a time variability caused by the coronal structures. The interaction of disk coronae with neutron stars and black holes may cause quaslperiodlc oscillations respectively flare type emission.

scholarly journals Venturing beyond the ISCO: detecting X-ray emission from the plunging regions around black holes

2020 ◽  
Vol 493 (4) ◽  
pp. 5532-5550 ◽  
Author(s):  
D R Wilkins ◽  
C S Reynolds ◽  
A C Fabian
Keyword(s):  
Black Holes ◽  
General Relativity ◽  
Black Hole ◽  
Event Horizon ◽  
Energy Band ◽  
Strong Field ◽  
Time Lags ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Region Detection ◽  
Improving Accuracy

ABSTRACT We explore how X-ray reverberation around black holes may reveal the presence of the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO), predicted by general relativity, and probe the dynamics of the plunging region between the ISCO and the event horizon. Being able to directly detect the presence of the ISCO and probe the dynamics of material plunging through the event horizon represents a unique test of general relativity in the strong field regime. X-ray reverberation off of the accretion disc and material in the plunging region is modelled using general relativistic ray tracing simulations. X-ray reverberation from the plunging region has a minimal effect on the time-averaged X-ray spectrum and the overall lag-energy spectrum, but is manifested in the lag in the highest frequency Fourier components, above $0.01\, c^{3}\, (GM)^{-1}$ (scaled for the mass of the black hole) in the 2–4 keV energy band for a non-spinning black hole or the 1–2 keV energy band for a maximally spinning black hole. The plunging region is distinguished from disc emission not just by the energy shifts characteristic of plunging orbits, but by the rapid increase in ionization of material through the plunging region. Detection requires measurement of time lags to an accuracy of 20 per cent at these frequencies. Improving accuracy to 12 per cent will enable constraints to be placed on the dynamics of material in the plunging region and distinguish plunging orbits from material remaining on stable circular orbits, confirming the existence of the ISCO, a prime discovery space for future X-ray missions.

scholarly journals Driven black holes: from Kolmogorov scaling to turbulent wakes

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomas Andrade ◽  
Christiana Pantelidou ◽  
Julian Sonner ◽  
Benjamin Withers
Keyword(s):  
Nonlinear Dynamics ◽  
Black Holes ◽  
General Relativity ◽  
Black Hole ◽  
Strong Field ◽  
De Sitter ◽  
Event Horizons ◽  
Binary Mergers ◽  
Tidal Deformations ◽  
Proof Of Principle

Abstract General relativity governs the nonlinear dynamics of spacetime, including black holes and their event horizons. We demonstrate that forced black hole horizons exhibit statistically steady turbulent spacetime dynamics consistent with Kolmogorov’s theory of 1941. As a proof of principle we focus on black holes in asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetimes in a large number of dimensions, where greater analytic control is gained. We focus on cases where the effective horizon dynamics is restricted to 2+1 dimensions. We also demonstrate that tidal deformations of the horizon induce turbulent dynamics. When set in motion relative to the horizon a deformation develops a turbulent spacetime wake, indicating that turbulent spacetime dynamics may play a role in binary mergers and other strong-field phenomena.

scholarly journals The confrontation between general relativity and experiment

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (S261) ◽  
pp. 198-199
Author(s):  
Clifford M. Will
Keyword(s):  
General Relativity ◽  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Equivalence Principle ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Strong Field ◽  
Weak Field ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Spacetime Geometry ◽  
Tests Of General Relativity ◽  
Laser Interferometric

AbstractWe review the experimental evidence for Einstein's general relativity. A variety of high precision null experiments confirm the Einstein Equivalence Principle, which underlies the concept that gravitation is synonymous with spacetime geometry, and must be described by a metric theory. Solar system experiments that test the weak-field, post-Newtonian limit of metric theories strongly favor general relativity. Binary pulsars test gravitational-wave damping and aspects of strong-field general relativity. During the coming decades, tests of general relativity in new regimes may be possible. Laser interferometric gravitational-wave observatories on Earth and in space may provide new tests via precise measurements of the properties of gravitational waves. Future efforts using X-ray, infrared, gamma-ray and gravitational-wave astronomy may one day test general relativity in the strong-field regime near black holes and neutron stars.

General Relativity

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Manton ◽  
Nicholas Mee
Keyword(s):  
Black Holes ◽  
General Relativity ◽  
Field Equation ◽  
Einstein Field Equation ◽  
Kerr Metric ◽  
Gravitational Lenses ◽  
Field Equations ◽  
Spacetime Geometry ◽  
Tests Of General Relativity ◽  
Rotating Black Holes

This chapter presents the physical motivation for general relativity, derives the Einstein field equation and gives concise derivations of the main results of the theory. It begins with the equivalence principle, tidal forces in Newtonian gravity and their connection to curved spacetime geometry. This leads to a derivation of the field equation. Tests of general relativity are considered: Mercury’s perihelion advance, gravitational redshift, the deflection of starlight and gravitational lenses. The exterior and interior Schwarzschild solutions are discussed. Eddington–Finkelstein coordinates are used to describe objects falling into non-rotating black holes. The Kerr metric is used to describe rotating black holes and their astrophysical consequences. Gravitational waves are described and used to explain the orbital decay of binary neutron stars. Their recent detection by LIGO and the beginning of a new era of gravitational wave astronomy is discussed. Finally, the gravitational field equations are derived from the Einstein–Hilbert action.

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