arXiv subjects

J. Poutanen

Publications and source records attributed to J. Poutanen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Inelastic scattering effects on polarization predictions for cold and warm atmospheres in the X-rays

X-ray polarization models of accreting compact objects often assume the so-called Chandrasekhar-Sobolev polarization prescription for elastic Thomson scattering in electron-scattering semi-infinite atmospheres. In this letter, we examine the effects of inelastic Compton scattering. We assume homogeneous slabs of cold and warm (up to 1 keV) electrons. We use a Monte Carlo approach. We discuss the polarization difference arising in the X-rays between the elastic and inelastic scattering assumptions for plane-parallel transmission and reflection, and the role it can play in the interpretation of X-ray polarimetric observations of accreting compact objects.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

X-ray polarization in the soft state of Cyg X-1

We aim to identify the physical mechanism responsible for the observed X-ray emission and polarization of Cyg X-1 in the soft state. We performed a detailed spectral analysis of X-ray data obtained with NICER, NuSTAR, and INTEGRAL during observations simultaneous with IXPE on 2023 June 20, supplemented at higher energies with archival CGRO data. We developed a new model, retBB, which describes thermal disk emission and its returning reflection, and applied it together with accurate models of Comptonization and relativistically broadened reflection. Using the resulting spectral solution, we computed the expected polarization signal and compared it with the IXPE measurements. Our spectropolarimetric modeling shows that the observed polarization is in agreement with being produced by Comptonization in a corona undergoing a semi-relativistic outflow at a velocity of ~0.3c. Our spectral solutions admit either low or high black-hole spin values, depending on the adopted model setup. However, the observed polarization strongly favors a low spin. At high spin, the polarization angle would inevitably rotate significantly across the energy band, which is inconsistent with the observations. Apart from this rotation of the polarization angle, general relativistic effects do not play a significant role in producing the observed polarization. In particular, we find that, at most, returning disk radiation contributes only a minor amount.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

X-Ray Polarization from the Atoll 4U 1735-44 Suggests a Low Inclination

X-ray polarimetry is a new tool capable of probing the geometry of accretion onto weakly magnetized neutron stars. Here we present the first X-ray spectropolarimetric results from coordinated observations of the atoll source 4U 1735-44, conducted with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), NICER, and NuSTAR. Over the 2-8 keV energy range, we obtained a marginal detection of polarization with the polarization degree of $1.4\%\pm0.7\%$ and polarization angle of $-29^\circ\pm14^\circ$, corresponding to a $3σ$ upper limit on the polarization degree of 3.5\%. The best-fit model to describe the spectrum comprises a thermal component associated with the accretion disk, a Comptonized blackbody component, and a relativistic reflection component. From the reflection model, we infer a disk inclination of $\sim 40^\circ$. The spectroscopic and polarimetric properties of 4U 1735-44 are consistent with those observed in other atoll sources studied by IXPE, with its low polarization likely due to its low inclination.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Recovery of the X-ray polarisation of Swift J1727.8$-$1613 after the soft-to-hard spectral transition

We report on the detection of X-ray polarisation in the black-hole X-ray binary Swift J1727.8$-$1613 during its dim hard spectral state by the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). This is the first detection of X-ray polarisation at the transition from the soft to the hard state in an X-ray binary. We find an averaged 2$-$8 keV polarisation degree of (3.3 ${\pm}$ 0.4) % and a corresponding polarisation angle of 3° ${\pm}$ 4°, which matches the polarisation detected during the rising stage of the outburst, in September$-$October 2023, within 1$σ$ uncertainty. The observational campaign complements previous studies of this source and enables comparison of the X-ray polarisation properties of a single transient across the X-ray hardness-intensity diagram. The complete recovery of the X-ray polarisation properties, including the energy dependence, came after a dramatic drop in the X-ray polarisation during the soft state. The new IXPE observations in the dim hard state at the reverse transition indicate that the accretion properties, including the geometry of the corona, appear to be strikingly similar to the bright hard state during the outburst rise despite the X-ray luminosities differing by two orders of magnitude.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Broad-band X-ray spectral and timing properties of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J17498$-$2921 during the 2023 outburst

We report on the broadband spectral and timing properties of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J17498$-$2921 during its April 2023 outburst using data from NICER (1$-$10 keV), NuSTAR (3$-$79 keV), Insight-HXMT (2$-$150 keV), and INTEGRAL (30$-$150 keV). We detect significant 401 Hz pulsations across the 0.5$-$150 keV band. The pulse fraction increases from $\sim$2% at 1 keV to $\sim$13% at 66 keV. Five type-I X-ray bursts have been detected, including three photospheric radius expansion bursts, with a rise time of $\sim$2 s and an exponential decay time of $\sim$5 s. The recurrence time is $\sim$9.1 h, which can be explained by unstable thermonuclear burning of hydrogen-deficient material on the neutron star surface. The quasi-simultaneous 1$-$150 keV broadband spectra from NICER, NuSTAR, and INTEGRAL can be well fitted by an absorbed reflection model, relxillCp, and a Gaussian line of instrumental origin. The Comptonized emission from the hot corona is characterized by a photon index $Γ$ of $\sim$1.8 and an electron temperature $kT_{\rm e}$ of $\sim$40 keV. We obtain a low inclination angle $i\sim34^{\circ}$. The accretion disk shows properties of strong ionization, $\log(ξ/{\rm erg~cm~s^{-1}})\sim4.5$, over-solar abundance, $A_{\rm Fe}\sim 7.7$, and high density, $\log(n_{\rm e}/{\rm cm^{-3}})\sim 19.5$. However, a lower disk density with normal abundance and ionization could also be possible. From the inner disk radius $R_{\rm in}=1.67R_{\rm ISCO}$ and the long-term spin-down rate of $-3.1(2)\times10^{-15}~{\rm Hz~s^{-1}}$, we constrain the magnetic field of IGR J17498$-$2921 in the range of $(0.9-2.4)\times10^8$ G.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Multi-wavelength spectroscopic analysis of the ULX Holmberg II X-1 and its nebula suggests the presence of a heavy black hole accreting from a B-type donor

Ultra-luminous X-ray sources (ULXs) are high-mass X-ray binaries with an X-ray luminosity above $10^{39}$ erg s$^{-1}$. These ULXs can be powered by black holes that are more massive than $20M_\odot$, accreting in a standard regime, or lighter compact objects accreting supercritically. There are only a few ULXs with known optical or UV counterparts, and their nature is debated. Determining whether optical/UV radiation is produced by the donor star or by the accretion disc is crucial for understanding ULX physics and testing massive binary evolution. We conduct, for the first time, a fully consistent multi-wavelength spectral analysis of a ULX and its circumstellar nebula. We aim to establish the donor star type and test the presence of strong disc winds in the prototypical ULX Holmberg II X-1 (Ho II X-1). We intent to obtain a realistic spectral energy distribution of the ionising source, which is needed for robust nebula analysis. We acquired new UV spectra of Ho II X-1 with the HST and complemented them with archival optical and X-ray data. We explored the spectral energy distribution of the source and analysed the spectra using the stellar atmosphere code PoWR and the photoionisation code Cloudy. Our analysis of the X-ray, UV, and optical spectra of Ho II X-1 and its nebula consistently explains the observations. We do not find traces of disc wind signatures in the UV and the optical, rejecting previous claims of the ULX being a supercritical accretor. The optical/UV counterpart of HoII X-1 is explained by a B-type supergiant donor star. Thus, the observations are fully compatible with Ho II X-1 being a close binary consisting of an $\gtrsim 66\,M_\odot$ black hole accreting matter from an $\simeq 22 M_\odot$ B-supergiant companion. Also, we propose a possible evolution scenario for the system, suggesting that Ho II X-1 is a potential gravitational wave source progenitor.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

X-ray spectropolarimetry of the bright atoll Serpens X-1

We present simultaneous X-ray polarimetric and spectral observations of the bright atoll source Ser~X-1 carried out with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), NICER, and NuSTAR. We obtain an upper limit of 2% (99% confidence level) on the polarization degree in the 2--8 keV energy band. We detect four type-I X-ray bursts, two of which during the IXPE observation. This is the first time that has IXPE observed type-I X-ray bursts, and it allows us to place an upper limit on their polarization degree; however, due to the limited total number of counts in each burst, we obtain a relatively high upper limit (80%). We confirm the presence of reflection features in the X-ray spectrum, notably a broad iron line. Fitting the data with a relativistic reflection model, we derive a disk inclination of 25 deg. The spectral and polarization properties are comparable with other atolls observed by IXPE, suggesting a similar accretion geometry, and the relatively low polarization is consistent with the low inclination.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

X-ray polarization measurement of the gold standard of radio-quiet active galactic nuclei : NGC 1068

We used the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) satellite to measure, for the first time, the 2-8 keV polarization of NGC 1068. We pointed IXPE for a net exposure time of 1.15 Ms on the target, in addition to two ~ 10 ks each Chandra snapshots in order to account for the potential impact of several ultraluminous X-ray source (ULXs) within IXPE's field-of-view. We measured a 2 - 8 keV polarization degree of 12.4% +/- 3.6% and an electric vector polarization angle of 101° +/- 8° at 68% confidence level. If we exclude the spectral region containing the bright Fe K lines and other soft X-ray lines where depolarization occurs, the polarization fraction rises up to 21.3% +/- 6.7% in the 3.5 - 6.0 keV band, with a similar polarization angle. The observed polarization angle is found to be perpendicular to the parsec scale radio jet. Using a combined Chandra and IXPE analysis plus multi-wavelength constraints, we estimated that the circumnuclear "torus" may sustain a half-opening angle of 50° - 55° (from the vertical axis of the system). Thanks to IXPE, we have measured the X-ray polarization of NGC 1068 and found comparable results, both in terms of polarization angle orientation with respect to the radio-jet and torus half-opening angle, to the X-ray polarimetric measurement achieved for the other archetypal Compton-thick AGN : the Circinus galaxy. Probing the geometric arrangement of parsec-scale matter in extragalactic object is now feasible thanks to X-ray polarimetry.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

SRG/ART-XC discovery of SRGAJ144459.2-604207: a well-tempered bursting accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar

We report on the discovery of the new accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar SRGAJ144459.2-604207 using the SRG/ART-XC data. The source was observed twice in February 2024 during the declining phase of the outburst. Timing analysis revealed a coherent signal near 447.8~Hz modulated by the Doppler effect due to the orbital motion. The derived parameters for the binary system are consistent with the circular orbit with a period of $\sim5.2$~h. The pulse profiles of the persistent emission, showing a sine-like part during half a period with a plateau in between, can well be modelled by emission from two circular spots partially eclipsed by the accretion disk. Additionally, during our 133~ks exposure observations, we detected 19 thermonuclear X-ray bursts. All bursts have similar shapes and energetics, and do not show any signs of photospheric radius expansion. The burst rate decreases linearly from one per $\sim$1.6~h at the beginning of observations to one per $\sim$2.2~h at the end and anticorrelates with the persistent flux. Spectral evolution during the bursts is consistent with the models of the neutron star atmospheres heated by accretion and imply a neutron star radius of 11--12~km and the distance to the source of 8--9~kpc. We also detected pulsations during the bursts and showed that the pulse profiles differ substantially from those observed in the persistent emission. However, we could not find a simple physical model explaining the pulse profiles detected during the bursts.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

IXPE observation confirms a high spin in the accreting black hole 4U 1957+115

We present the results of the first X-ray polarimetric observation of the low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1957+115, performed with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer in May 2023. The binary system has been in a high-soft spectral state since its discovery and is thought to host a black hole. The $\sim$571 ks observation reveals a linear polarisation degree of $1.9\% \pm 0.6\%$ and a polarisation angle of $-41^\circ.8 \pm 7^\circ.9$ in the 2-8 keV energy range. Spectral modelling is consistent with the dominant contribution coming from the standard accretion disc, while polarimetric data suggest a significant role of returning radiation: photons that are bent by strong gravity effects and forced to return to the disc surface, where they can be reflected before eventually reaching the observer. In this setting, we find that models with a black hole spin lower than 0.96 and an inclination lower than $50^\circ$ are disfavoured.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

The X-ray polarisation of the Seyfert 1 galaxy IC 4329A

We present an X-ray spectro-polarimetric analysis of the bright Seyfert galaxy IC 4329A. The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) observed the source for ~500 ks, supported by XMM-Newton (~60 ks) and NuSTAR (~80 ks) exposures. We detect polarisation in the 2-8 keV band with 2.97 sigma confidence. We report a polarisation degree of $3.3\pm1.1$ per cent and a polarisation angle of $78\pm10$ degrees (errors are 1 sigma confidence). The X-ray polarisation is consistent with being aligned with the radio jet, albeit partially due to large uncertainties on the radio position angle. We jointly fit the spectra from the three observatories to constrain the presence of a relativistic reflection component. From this, we obtain constraints on the inclination angle to the inner disc (< 39 degrees at 99 per cent confidence) and the disc inner radius (< 11 gravitational radii at 99 per cent confidence), although we note that modelling systematics in practice add to the quoted statistical error. Our spectro-polarimetric modelling indicates that the 2-8 keV polarisation is consistent with being dominated by emission directly observed from the X-ray corona, but the polarisation of the reflection component is completely unconstrained. Our constraints on viewer inclination and polarisation degree tentatively favour more asymmetric, possibly out-flowing, coronal geometries that produce more highly polarised emission, but the coronal geometry is unconstrained at the 3 sigma level.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

Uncovering the geometry of the hot X-ray corona in the Seyfert galaxy NGC4151 with IXPE

We present an X-ray spectro-polarimetric analysis of the bright Seyfert galaxy NGC4151. The source has been observed with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) for 700 ks, complemented with simultaneous XMM-Newton (50 ks) and NuSTAR (100 ks) pointings. A polarization degree $Π = 4.9 {\pm} 1.1 \%$ and angle $Ψ= 86° {\pm} 7°$ east of north ($68\%$ confidence level) are measured in the 2-8 keV energy range. The spectro-polarimetric analysis shows that the polarization could be entirely due to reflection. Given the low reflection flux in the IXPE band, this requires however a reflection with a very large ($> 38 \%$) polarization degree. Assuming more reasonable values, a polarization degree of the hot corona ranging from ${\sim}4$ to ${\sim}8\%$ is found. The observed polarization degree excludes a spherical lamppost geometry for the corona, suggesting instead a slab-like geometry, possibly a wedge, as determined via Monte Carlo simulations. This is further confirmed by the X-ray polarization angle, which coincides with the direction of the extended radio emission in this source, supposed to match the disc axis. NGC4151 is the first AGN with an X-ray polarization measure for the corona, illustrating the capabilities of X-ray polarimetry and IXPE in unveiling its geometry.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2023

X-ray polarimetry and spectroscopy of the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary GX 9+9: an in-depth study with IXPE and NuSTAR

We report on a comprehensive analysis of simultaneous X-ray polarimetric and spectral data of the bright atoll source GX 9+9 with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) and NuSTAR. The source is significantly polarized in the 4--8 keV band, with a degree of $2.2\% \pm 0.5\%$ (uncertainty at the 68% confidence level). The NuSTAR broad-band spectrum clearly shows an iron line, and is well described by a model including thermal disk emission, a Comptonized component, and reflection. From a spectro-polarimetric fit, we obtain an upper limit to the polarization degree of the disk of 4% (at 99% confidence level), while the contribution of Comptonized and reflected radiation cannot be conclusively separated. However, the polarization is consistent with resulting from a combination of Comptonization in a boundary or spreading layer, plus reflection off the disc, which gives a significant contribution in any realistic scenario.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

The geometry of the hot corona in MCG-05-23-16 constrained by X-ray polarimetry

We report on the second observation of the radio-quiet active galactic nucleus (AGN) MCG-05-23-16 performed with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). The observation started on 2022 November 6 for a net observing time of 640 ks, and was partly simultaneous with NuSTAR (86 ks). After combining these data with those obtained in the first IXPE pointing on May 2022 (simultaneous with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR) we find a 2-8 keV polarization degree $Π$ = 1.6 $\pm$ 0.7 (at 68 per cent confidence level), which corresponds to an upper limit $Π$ = 3.2 per cent (at 99 per cent confidence level). We then compare the polarization results with Monte Carlo simulations obtained with the MONK code, with which different coronal geometries have been explored (spherical lamppost, conical, slab and wedge). Furthermore, the allowed range of inclination angles is found for each geometry. If the best fit inclination value from a spectroscopic analysis is considered, a cone-shaped corona along the disc axis is disfavoured.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

X-ray polarimetry of X-ray pulsar X Persei: another orthogonal rotator?

X Persei is a persistent low-luminosity X-ray pulsar of period of $\sim$835 s in a Be binary system. The field strength at the neutron star surface is not known precisely, but indirect signs indicate a magnetic field above $10^{13}$ G, which makes the object one of the most magnetized known X-ray pulsars. Here we present the results of observations X Persei performed with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). The X-ray polarization signal was found to be strongly dependent on the spin phase of the pulsar. The energy-averaged polarization degree in 3-8 keV band varied from several to $\sim$20 per cent over the pulse with a positive correlation with the pulsed X-ray flux. The polarization angle shows significant variation and makes two complete revolutions during the pulse period resulting in nearly nil pulse-phase averaged polarization. Applying the rotating vector model to the IXPE data we obtain the estimates for the rotation axis inclination and its position angle on the sky as well as for the magnetic obliquity. The derived inclination is close to the orbital inclination reported earlier for X Persei. The polarimetric data imply a large angle between the rotation and magnetic dipole axes, which is similar to the result reported recently for the X-ray pulsar GRO J1008$-$57. After eliminating the effect of polarization angle rotation over the pulsar phase using the best-fitting rotating vector model, the strong dependence of the polarization degree with energy was discovered with its value increasing from 0% at $\sim$2 keV to 30% at 8 keV.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Accretion geometry of the neutron star low mass X-ray binary Cyg X-2 from X-ray polarization measurements

We report spectro-polarimetric results of an observational campaign of the bright neutron star low-mass X-ray binary Cyg X-2 simultaneously observed by IXPE, NICER and INTEGRAL. Consistently with previous results, the broad-band spectrum is characterized by a lower-energy component, attributed to the accretion disc with $kT_{\rm in} \approx$ 1 keV, plus unsaturated Comptonization in thermal plasma with temperature $kT_{\rm e} = 3$ keV and optical depth $τ\approx 4$, assuming a slab geometry. We measure the polarization degree in the 2-8 keV band $P=1.8 \pm 0.3$ per cent and polarization angle $ϕ= 140^{\circ} \pm 4^{\circ}$, consistent with the previous X-ray polarimetric measurements by OSO-8 as well as with the direction of the radio jet which was earlier observed from the source. While polarization of the disc spectral component is poorly constrained with the IXPE data, the Comptonized emission has a polarization degree $P =4.0 \pm 0.7$ per cent and a polarization angle aligned with the radio jet. Our results strongly favour a spreading layer at the neutron star surface as the main source of the polarization signal. However, we cannot exclude a significant contribution from reflection off the accretion disc, as indicated by the presence of the iron fluorescence line.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Mapping the circumnuclear regions of the Circinus galaxy with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer

We report on the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) observation of the closest and X-ray brightest Compton-thick active galactic nucleus (AGN), the Circinus galaxy. We find the source to be significantly polarized in the 2--6 keV band. From previous studies, the X-ray spectrum is known to be dominated by reflection components, both neutral (torus) and ionized (ionization cones). Our analysis indicates that the polarization degree is $28 \pm 7$ per cent (at 68 per cent confidence level) for the neutral reflector, with a polarization angle of $18° \pm 5°$, roughly perpendicular to the radio jet. The polarization of the ionized reflection is unconstrained. A comparison with Monte Carlo simulations of the polarization expected from the torus shows that the neutral reflector is consistent with being an equatorial torus with a half-opening angle of 45°-55°. This is the first X-ray polarization detection in a Seyfert galaxy, demonstrating the power of X-ray polarimetry in probing the geometry of the circumnuclear regions of AGNs, and confirming the basic predictions of standard Unification Models.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Polarization constraints on the X-ray corona in Seyfert Galaxies: MCG-05-23-16

We report on the first observation of a radio-quiet Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) using polarized X-rays: the Seyfert 1.9 galaxy MCG-05-23-16. This source was pointed with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) starting on May 14, 2022 for a net observing time of 486 ks, simultaneously with XMM-Newton (58 ks) and NuSTAR (83 ks). A polarization degree smaller than $Π<4.7\%$ (at the 99% c.l.) is derived in the 2-8 keV energy range, where emission is dominated by the primary component ascribed to the hot corona. The broad-band spectrum, inferred from a simultaneous fit to the IXPE, NuSTAR, and XMM-Newton data, is well reproduced by a power law with photon index $Γ=1.85\pm0.01$ and a high-energy cutoff $E_{\rm C}=120\pm15$ keV. A comparison with Monte Carlo simulations shows that a lamp-post and a conical geometry of the corona are consistent with the observed upper limit, a slab geometry is allowed only if the inclination angle of the system is less than 50$^{\circ}$.

astro-ph.HE↗