Effects of electron scattering on the oscillations of an X-ray source
The time variability observed at infinity due to a variable point source at the center of a spherical cloud of radius R and optical depth to electron scattering tau is analytically determined. The emissin pattern of the source and its time variability are assumed to be of the following three forms: (1) isotropic emission with intensity varying sinusoidally in time with angular frequency Omega(L), (2) emission in the form of a delta-function beam rotating with angular frequency Omega(R) about a fixed axis and with intensity constant in time, and (3) emission in the form of a delta-function beam rotating with angular frequency Omega(R) about a fixed axis and with intensity varying sinusoidally in time with angular frequency Omega(L). More complicated source emissions and variabilities are studied by superposing the above forms. The results of our calculations reveal the conditions under which quasi-periodic oscillations can be observed from X-ray sources, while periodic oscillations are completely smeared out. Furthermore, these results can be used to study the X-ray oscillations of such sources as Her X-1, Cyg X-3, and the Vela pulsar, which are believed to be embedded in scattering clouds. 35 references.
- Research Organization:
- Crete Univ., Heraklion (Greece)
- OSTI ID:
- 5438725
- Journal Information:
- Astrophys. J.; (United States), Vol. 323
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GENERAL PHYSICS
COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES
OSCILLATIONS
BINARY STARS
COSMIC GASES
ELECTRONS
EMISSION SPECTRA
POINT SOURCES
STAR MODELS
VARIATIONS
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
FLUIDS
GASES
LEPTONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
RADIATION SOURCES
SPECTRA
STARS
640102* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources