Engineering topics

Sutherland, P. G.

Publications and source records attributed to Sutherland, P. G..

At least 19 records

NASA NTRS1987

Accretion onto neutron stars with the presence of a double layer

It is known, from laboratory experiments, that double layers will form in plasmas, usually in the presence of an electric current. It is argued that a double layer may be present in the accretion column of a neutron star in a binary system. It is suggested that the double layer may be the predominant deceleration mechanism for the accreting ions, especially for sources with X-ray luminosities of less than about 10 to the 37th erg/s. Previous models have involved either a collisionless shock or an assumed gradual deceleration of the accreting ions to thermalize the energy of the infalling matter.

Williams, A. C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Accretion onto neutron stars with the presence of a double layer

It is known from laboratory experiments that double layers can form in plasmas, usually in the presence of an electric current. It is argued that a double layer may be present in the accretion column of a neutron star in a binary system. It is suggested that the double layer may be the predominant deceleration mechanism for the accreting ions, especially for sources with X-ray luminosities of less than about 10 to the 37th erg/s. Previous models have involved either a collisionless shock or an assumed gradual deceleration of the accreting ions to thermalize the energy of the infalling matter.

Williams, A. C.↗

NASA NTRS1985

On fast X-ray rotators with long-term periodicities

The support of previous SAS 3 spacecraft observations by new data gathered by the Monitor Proportional Counter aboard the HEAO 2 spacecraft indicates that the pulse period history of the 13.5 sec-pulsing X-ray source LMC X-4 is consistent with standard accretion and torque models only if LMC X-4 is a fast rotator for which the accretion torques nearly cancel. This result leads to a neutron star magnetic field strength estimate of about 1.2 x 10 to the 13th G. Strong evidence is noted for Her X-1's status as a fast rotator, while SMC X-1 is probably an intermediate-to-fast rotator. In the context of slaved disk models for these objects, it is noted that the precession periods expected for the companion stars are significantly longer than the observed 1-2 month time scales; slaved disk models are thereby undermined.

Naranan, S.↗

NASA NTRS1985

On the viability of exploiting L-shell fluorescence for X-ray polarimetry

It has been suggested that one may build an X-ray polarimeter by exploiting the polarization dependence of the angular distribution of L-shell fluorescence photons. In this paper the sensitivity of this approach to polarimetry is examined theoretically. The calculations are applied to several detection schemes using imaging proportional counters that would have direct application in X-ray astronomy. It is found, however, that the sensitivity of this method for measuring X-ray polarization is too low to be of use for other than laboratory applications.

Weisskopf, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1984

X-ray observations of X Persei

The HEAO 2 Einstein Observatory was used to confirm the identification of 4U 0352 + 30 with X Per. The HEAO 2 data were analyzed in order to determine an additional point in the pulse period history of the X-ray source and to search for short binary periods. In addition, a majority of the historical X-ray observations was reanalyzed and more refined values for the pulse period as a function of time were obtained. The period history possess significant scatter, but no evidence for a measurable long-term spin-up trend is found, and hence a lower limit to the spin-up time scale is set. This lower limit is consistent with the presence of a neutron star, but it does not rule out a degenerate dwarf. The period history was also searched for evidence of binary motion, and upper limits to a(x) sin i were obtained.

Weisskopf, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1983

X-ray observations of LMC X-3 with the monitor proportional counter aboard the HEAO 2 Einstein observatory - A comparison with Cygnus X-1

A comparison is presented of the black hole candidates LMC X-3 and Cygnus X-1 based on Einstein observations of LMC X-3 with the monitor proportional counter. A spectral analysis shows LMC X-3 to be more like the typical bright galactic X-ray source than Cygnus X-1. A search for periodic pulsations over a period range from 0.2 ms to over 1000 s set upper limits at the 90 percent confidence level of the order of 10 percent. An analysis of the aperiodic variability of LMC X-3 shows none of the shot noise behavior characteristic of Cygnus X-1. The absence of distinctive X-ray properties common to both sources suggests that the identification of black hole candidates on the basis of X-ray properties similar to Cygnus X-1 (or LMC X-3) is not reliable.

Weisskopf, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The period history of the X-ray pulsar in MSH 15-52

New and refined mesurements of the pulse period of the X-ray pulsar in the supernova remnant MSH 15-52 are presented. The data were obtained with the Monitor proportional Counter on board the HEAO 2 observatory. The period measurements were obtained by analyzing pulse arrival times determined by cross-correlating sample pulse profiles with a master template. The period history for the source and a representative 0.15 s X-ray light curve are shown. The X-ray measurements alone lead to a refined value of the period derivative of (1.5382 + or -0.0024) x 10 to the -12th s/s, while including the results of more recent radio observations leads to a value of (1.54029 + or -0.00095) x 10 to the -12th s/s. These results indicate a hard-point source surrounded by diffuse nebular emission.

Weisskopf, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1983

X-ray observations of 4U 1626-67 by the monitor counter on the Einstein /HEAO 2/ observatory

The pulsing X-ray source 4U 1626-67 was observed with the Monitor Proportional Counter (MPC) on board the Einstein X-Ray Observatory on three occasions in early 1979. The MPC is a sealed, argon-filled proportional counter with a 1.5 mil beryllium window and is coaligned with the X-ray telescope on board the observatory. The spectral data spanning the energy range from 1.1 to 21 keV are divided into eight logarithmically spaced energy channels which integrate for 2.56 s. The Time Interval Processor (TIP) circuitry of the MPC measures time intervals between events to within 1 microsecond or 1.6%, whichever is larger, for a count rate dependent fraction of all events in all eight energy channels. It is found that in the energy range from 1 to 21 keV, the spectrum and 7.7 s pulse shape of 4U 1626-67 are variable on a time scale of minutes. The pulse shape variations correlate in a complex way with the intensity variations in this source.

Elsner, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1983

On searches for pulsed emission with application to four globular cluster X-ray sources - NGC 1851, 6441, 6624, and 6712

Periodic pulsations have been sought in the NGC 1851, 6441, 6624, and 6712 globular cluster sources' X-ray emission, using the Einstein Observatory's Monitor Proportional Counter. Special attention is given to features of the present methods of analysis, which correctly account for several effects that have been routinely overlooked by other researchers. No pulsed emission was detected in the periods searched, which covered from 1 msec to about 500 sec. The 90% confidence upper limits for the pulsed fraction are given.

Leahy, D. A.↗

NASA NTRS1981

The asymmetric 4.8 hour X-ray modulation of Cygnus X-3 - Model light curves and inferred orbital parameters

The 4.8 hour X-ray light curve of Cygnus X-3 is quantitatively described by several proposed models under the assumption that the binary orbit of Cyg X-3 is elliptic. The cocoon model implies an apparent size for the X-ray star's companion, which is larger than that of its critical lobe, and it is suggested that the emission of a dense stellar wind by the companion could lead to such a situation. It is shown that a helium star, with or without a hydrogen-rich envelope, seems to be the most likely Cyg X-3 companion, and that some of the observed variations in the 4.8 hour period can be accounted for by the apparent period variations due to apsidal motion.

Ghosh, P.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Observations of SMC X-1 with the monitor proportional counter on the Einstein /HEAO 2/ X-ray Observatory - The pulse period and its history

The results of the sixth determination of the pulse period of the X-ray source SMC X-1 are presented. The observations were made in April 1979. The pulse period at this epoch was found to be (0.713683 + or - 0.000032) s referred to phase zero of the binary motion. This result together with all available historical data is utilized to quantify the observed trend toward spin-up. It is found that simple secular trends are not applicable. This finding is interpreted as evidence for additional variations in the pulse period. The obtained results are discussed in the context of present theoretical models for period variations in the binary pulsating X-ray sources. The apparent absence of spin-down episodes in the period history of SMC X-1 is also considered.

Darbro, W.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Search for high frequency pulsations in the onset of the March 5 gamma-ray burst

The onset of the March 5 Gamma-Ray burst was observed with microsecond time resolution by the Monitor Proportional Counter aboard the HEAO-2/Einstein Observatory. The data were analyzed for high frequency periodic pulsations which, if present, would be strong evidence for vibrations of a neutron star following the initial release of energy. Evidence is not found for such pulsations in the data over the period range 29.4737 to 0.0962 ms, and upper limits to the amplitude of 49-70% are set.

Weisskopf, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Time-resolved imaging and spectral studies of an X-ray burst from the globular cluster Terzan

The first image of an X-ray burst was recorded with the HRI detector at the Einstein Observatory while observing the globular cluster Terzan 2. The burst was coincident with a persistent X-ray source located near the center of the cluster (thus confirming an earlier suggested identification) and reached a peak luminosity exceeding 5 x 10 to the 38th (d/10 kpc) squared. After a rapid rise to peak luminosity, a double-peaked spectral variation was observed over the next approximately 20 s with anticorrelated changes in the apparent emission region radius and temperature derived from blackbody (and modified blackbody) spectral fits. A shell or disk geometry, which undergoes adiabatic expansion and contraction, may be implied for the burst emission region. Alternatively, Comptonization is required. It is also shown that the peak burst luminosity must exceed the Eddington limit.

Grindlay, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Observations of Cygnus X-3 with the Einstein /HEAO 2/ X-ray Observatory The period derivative and the asymmetric X-ray light curve

Cygnus X-3 was observed by the Monitor Proportional Counter on the Einstein (HEAO 2) X-ray Observatory for 2.4 days in 1978 December. The analysis of the data from these observations is used in conjunction with a self-consistent re-examination of previous results from the Uhuru, ANS, COS B, and SAS 3 satellites to investigate earlier reports that the 4.8 hour period of Cygnus X-3 is increasing. It is found that there is indeed a period derivative, P = (1.78 plus or minus 0.40) x 10 to the -9th s/s, which confirms the principal conclusion of previous authors. The possibility that the X-ray source is in an elliptical orbit and that some, or all, of the observed period derivative may be due to apsidal motion is discussed. The elliptic orbit hypothesis explains the observed asymmetry in the average X-ray light curve and leads to the conclusion that the most likely companion to the X-ray source is a helium star, possibly with a light hydrogen envelope

Elsner, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1980

High time resolution observation of the transient event of 5 March 1979

The detection of an intense gamma ray burst with the monitor proportional counter on the HEAO 2 spacecraft is discussed with particular emphasis on the measurement of the time of onset of the event. Based on the mean observed counting rate in the burst and assuming a sharp rise, the uncertainty in the burst onset is found to be + or - 220 microseconds. The time of occurrence was 57124.826908 + or - 0.000220 s UT on March 5, 1979, and the location of the HEAO 2 satellite at this time was latitude 22.15 deg, longitude -27.60 deg at an altitude of 525.0 km.

Weisskopf, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1980

On the time variability of Circinus X-1 - A comparison with Cygnus X-1

The time variability and spectral characteristics obtained from Uhuru observations of Cir X-1 (4U 1515-56) are compared with observations of Cyg X-1 (4U 1956+35). It is found that Cir X-1 has a more variable spectrum (with perhaps a state over the 4 days spanned by the data), is less 'noisy', and has correlated fluctuations (as evidenced by the nonzero cross-correlation function between two energy bands) of shorter duration than those present in the shot noise of Cyg X-1.

Weisskopf, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Short-term time variability of Cygnus X-1. III

Data from a SAS 3 observation of Cygnus X-1 have been analyzed, assuming a simple shot-noise model for the time variability. The results confirm the suggestion of Sutherland, Weisskopf, and Kahn that the shot parameters are constant when the source is in its low state. The first significant measurement of the time sense of the shot-noise pulses was performed, with the result that the average pulse shape is time-symmetric, not asymmetric as has been previously assumed.

Weisskopf, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1978

On the physical reality of the millisecond bursts in Cygnus X-1 - Bursts and shot noise

The method of data analysis used to interpret the millisecond temporal structure of Cyg X-1 is discussed. In particular, the effects produced by the shot-noise variability of this source, which occurs on time scales of about 0.5 s, are examined. Taking into account the recent discovery that only about 30% of the flux may be in the shots, it is found that spurious 'millisecond bursts' will be detected. A comparison of the properties of these bursts with currently published experimental data is performed.

Weisskopf, M. C.↗