The field LMXB populations of local early-type galaxies
Abstract
We present the results of our ongoing study of the low mass X-ray binary (LMXB) populations of local early-type galaxies. By combining deep Chandra observations with HST optical mosaics, we have determined the field LMXB populations of nine local early-type galaxies. We use these data to determine the specific frequency of LMXBs in these galaxies, n_x (the number of LMXBs per stellar K-band light). We find that the shape of the XLF is similar among these galaxies, but also find a significant variation in the scaling. We test for correlations between n_x and galaxy: velocity dispersion; metallicity and Mg abundance; globular cluster specific frequency; and proposed IMF variation. No significant correlations are observed and we note the need to expand the sample of galaxies further to understand the underlying reason for variations in the formation efficiency of LMXBs in these galaxies.
- Publication:
-
AAS/High Energy Astrophysics Division #16
- Pub Date:
- August 2017
- Bibcode:
- 2017HEAD...1610838P