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Modeling the time variability of black hole candidates
1Laboratory of High Energy Astrophysics, NASA/GSFC, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, USA.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|June 29, 2002
Summary
This study models accreting black hole candidates (BHC) using soft photon injection and Comptonization. The model accurately reproduces observed light curves, power spectral densities, and time lags, aiding in understanding BHC structure.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- High-energy astrophysics
- Black hole physics
Background:
- Accreting black hole candidates (BHC) exhibit complex light curves and aperiodic variability.
- Understanding the physical processes governing BHC emission is crucial for astrophysics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a new model for accreting black hole candidate light curves.
- To investigate the role of soft photon injection and Comptonization in BHC variability.
- To compare model predictions with observational data.
Main Methods:
- Developed a new model for BHC light curves based on random soft photon injections.
- Incorporated stochastic Comptonization in a non-uniform hot plasma corona.
- Computed power spectral densities (PSD), autocorrelation functions, time skewness, and time lags.
- Compared model outputs with observational data.
Main Results:
- The model successfully reproduces observed BHC light curve morphology, including autocorrelation and time skewness.
- The model accurately fits power spectral densities and time lags.
- Variability power is predominantly at time scales greater than a few seconds, with short shots of milliseconds.
Conclusions:
- The presented model provides a robust framework for understanding BHC variability.
- Refinements incorporating spectral and phase lag information can probe BHC structure.
- This model aids in characterizing high-energy sources and compact object environments.