Microquasars as sources of positron annihilation radiation

Abstract

We consider the production of positrons in microquasars, i.e. X-ray binary systems that exhibit jets frequently, but not continuously. We estimate the production rate of positrons in microquasars, both by simple energy considerations and in the framework of various proposed models. We then evaluate the collective emissivity of the annihilation radiation produced by Galactic microquasars and we find that it might constitute a substantial contribution to the annihilation flux measured by INTEGRAL/SPI. We also discuss the possible spatial distribution of Galactic microquasars, on the basis of the (scarce) available data and the resulting morphology of the flux received on Earth. Finally, we consider nearby 'misaligned' microquasars, with jets occasionally hitting the atmosphere of the companion star; these would represent interesting point sources, for which we determine the annihilation flux and the corresponding light curve, as well as the line's spectral profile. We discuss the possibility of detection of such point sources by future instruments.