Athena's Constraints on the Dense Matter Equation of State from Quiescent Low Mass X-ray Binaries
Abstract
The study of neutron star quiescent low-mass X-ray binaries (qLMXBs) will address one of the science goals of the Athena X-ray observatory. The study of the soft X-ray thermal emission from the neutron star surface in qLMXBs is a crucial tool to place constrains on the dense matter equation of state and understand the interior structure of neutron stars. I will briefly review this method, its strengths and current weaknesses and limitations, as well as the current constraints on the equation of state from qLMXBs. The superior sensitivity of Athena will permit the acquisition of unprecedentedly high signal-to-noise spectra from these sources. It has been demonstrated that a single qLMXB, even with a high signal-to-noise spectrum, will not place useful constraints on the dense matter equation of state. However, a combination of qLMXB spectra has shown great promises of obtaining tight constraints on the equation of state. I will discuss the expected prospects for observations of qLMXBs and in particular, I will show that very tight constraints on the equation of state can be obtained from the observations of qLMXBs with the Athena X-ray observatory (even with a 10 % uncertainty on the flux calibration).
- Publication:
-
41st COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- July 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016cosp...41E.753G