On the neutron star-disc interaction in Be/X-ray binaries

Abstract

We have investigated the long-term X-ray variability, defined as the root-mean-square (rms) of the ASM RXTE light curves, of a set of galactic Be/X-ray binaries and searched for correlations with system parameters, such as the spin period of the neutron star and the orbital period and eccentricity of the binary. We find that systems with larger rms are those harbouring fast rotating neutron stars, low eccentric and narrow orbits. These relationships can be explained as the result of the truncation of the circumstellar disc. We also present an updated version of the Halpha equivalent width-orbital period diagram, including sources in the SMC. This diagram provides strong observational evidence of the interaction of neutron star with the circumstellar envelope of its massive companion.

accepted for publication in MNRAS

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• Advances in Understanding High-Mass X-ray Binaries with INTEGRAL and Future Directions
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• Long-term optical variability of high-mass X-ray binaries. II. Spectroscopy
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• XMM-Newton observation of the persistent Be/NS X-ray binary pulsar RX J0440.9+4431
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• CXOU J005047.9-731817: a 292-s X-ray binary pulsar in the Small Magellanic Cloud
• In-depth study of long-term variability in the X-ray emission of the Be/X-ray binary system AX J0049.4-7323
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• SXP214, an X-ray Pulsar in the Small Magellanic Cloud, Crossing the Circumstellar Disk of the Companion
• Identification of an X-ray Pulsar in the BeXRB system IGR J18219$-$1347
• Non-radial pulsations in the Be/X binaries 4U0115+63 and SAXJ2103.5+4545
• Long-term optical variability of high-mass X-ray binaries. III. Polarimetry
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