Observations of the Disk/Jet Coupling of MAXI J1820+070 during Its Descent to Quiescence
Abstract
Black hole X-ray binaries in the quiescent state (Eddington ratios typically ≲10-5) display softer X-ray spectra (photon indices Γ ∼ 2) compared to higher-luminosity black hole X-ray binaries in the hard state (Γ ∼ 1.7). However, the cause of this softening and its implications for the underlying accretion flow are still uncertain. Here, we present quasi-simultaneous X-ray and radio spectral monitoring of the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1820+070 during the decay of its 2018 outburst and of a subsequent reflare in 2019, providing an opportunity to monitor a black hole X-ray binary as it actively transitions into quiescence. We probe 1-10 keV X-ray luminosities as low as LX ∼ 4 × 1032 erg s-1, equivalent to Eddington fractions of ∼4 × 10-7. During its decay toward quiescence, the X-ray spectrum of MAXI J1820+070 softens from Γ ∼ 1.7 to Γ ∼ 2, with the softening taking ∼30 days and completing at LX ≈ 1034 erg s-1 (≈10-5 LEdd). While the X-ray spectrum softens, the radio spectrum generally remains flat or inverted throughout the decay. We also find that MAXI J1820+070 follows a radio (LR)-X-ray luminosity correlation of the form LR ∝ LX0.52±0.07, making it the fourth black hole system to follow the so-called "standard track" unbroken over several (in this case, four) decades in LX. Comparing the radio/X-ray spectral evolution(s) with the LR-LX plane, we find that the X-ray softening is consistent with X-rays produced by Comptonization processes in a radiatively inefficient accretion flow. We generally disfavor X-ray emission originating solely from within the jet, with the possible exception of X-rays produced via synchrotron self-Compton processes.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- DOI:
- 10.3847/1538-4357/abd1de
- arXiv:
- arXiv:2012.04024
- Bibcode:
- 2021ApJ...907...34S
- Keywords:
-
- Black holes;
- Accretion;
- Low-mass x-ray binary stars;
- X-ray transient sources;
- 162;
- 14;
- 939;
- 1852;
- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
- E-Print:
- 19 pages, 5 figure, 1 appendix. Accepted for publication in ApJ