Constraining the Physics of the X-ray Irradiated Accretion Discs in Low-mass X-ray Binaries with Observations

• Author / Creator

  Tetarenko, Bailey E.

• Recurring outbursts associated with matter flowing onto compact stellar remnants (black holes and neutron stars) in low-mass X-ray binary systems provide constraints on the poorly understood accretion process. Multi-wavelength light-curves and spectra of these bright outbursts provide powerful diagnostics to probe the physics behind the mechanisms driving mass inflow and outflow in these astrophysical systems. Using the population of low-mass X-ray binaries harbouring stellar-mass black holes in our Galaxy as a guide, I have developed an innovative methodology, to decode the physics of disc-accretion, hidden within observational data. In this thesis, I present this methodology, that combines observed X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, and infrared time-series and spectroscopic data, accretion theory, and advanced Bayesian statistical techniques. Using this methodology, I tackle the complex, multi-scale problem of understanding the evolution of accretion disc structure and the X-ray irradiating source heating the accretion discs throughout low-mass X-ray binary outbursts. Given the advanced monitoring capabilities of current ground and space-based observatories, ever-evolving abilities of numerical simulations, and the vast landscape of online multi-wavelength archival databases available, my methodology has the opportunity to open up a new chapter in accretion physics, one of the most fundamental building blocks of our Universe, responsible for the evolution of objects across astrophysical scales, from new born stars and planets to super-massive black holes at the centre of Galaxies.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • multi-wavelength astronomy
  • X-ray binaries
  • black holes
  • accretion
  • black hole physics
  • accretion discs

• Graduation date

  Fall 2018

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Doctor of Philosophy

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3TM72H0Q

• License

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