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Quasi-periodic X-ray brightness fluctuations in an accreting millisecond pulsar

Author

Listed:
  • R. Wijnands

    (University of St Andrews)

  • M. van der Klis

    (University of Amsterdam
    Centre for High-Energy Astrophysics)

  • J. Homan

    (INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera)

  • D. Chakrabarty

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • C.B. Markwardt

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • E.H. Morgan

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Abstract

The relativistic plasma flows onto neutron stars that are accreting material from stellar companions can be used to probe strong-field gravity as well as the physical conditions in the supra-nuclear-density interiors of neutron stars. Plasma inhomogeneities orbiting a few kilometres above the stars are observable as X-ray brightness fluctuations on the millisecond dynamical timescale of the flows1,2,3. Two frequencies in the kilohertz range dominate these fluctuations: the twin kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations (kHz QPOs). Competing models for the origins of these oscillations (based on orbital motions) all predict that they should be related to the stellar spin frequency4,5,6,7,8,9,10, but tests have been difficult because the spins were not unambiguously known. Here we report the detection of kHz QPOs from a pulsar whose spin frequency is known. Our measurements establish a clear link between kHz QPOs and stellar spin, but one not predicted by any current model. A new approach to understanding kHz QPOs is now required. We suggest that a resonance between the spin and general relativistic orbital and epicyclic frequencies could provide the observed relation between QPOs and spin.

Suggested Citation

  • R. Wijnands & M. van der Klis & J. Homan & D. Chakrabarty & C.B. Markwardt & E.H. Morgan, 2003. "Quasi-periodic X-ray brightness fluctuations in an accreting millisecond pulsar," Nature, Nature, vol. 424(6944), pages 44-47, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:424:y:2003:i:6944:d:10.1038_nature01754
    DOI: 10.1038/nature01754
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