A Hot Spot Model for Black Hole QPOs

Abstract

In at least two black hole binary systems, the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer has detected high frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HFQPOs) with a 2:3 frequency commensurability. We propose a simple hot spot model to explain the positions, amplitudes, and widths of the HFQPO peaks. Using the exact geodesic equations for the Kerr metric, we calculate the trajectories of massive test particles, which are treated as isotropic, monochromatic emitters in their rest frames. By varying the hot spot parameters, we are able to explain the different features observed in ``Type A'' and ``Type B'' QPOs from XTE J1550-564. In the context of this model, the observed power spectra allow us to infer values for the black hole mass and angular momentum, and also constrain the parameters of the model.

arXiv comment4 pages, 2 figures, to be published in X-Ray Timing 2003: Rossi and Beyond, ed. P. Kaaret, F. K. Lamb, & J. H. Swank (Melville, NY: American Institute of Physics)

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