X-ray Binaries
X-ray Binaries
X-ray binaries contain a collapsed, compact star at the end of its
evolution (a neutron star or black hole), accreting material from a
more normal star as the two orbit around their common center of mass.
Often, this material forms a disk around the compact object. We see a
wide range of dramatic phenomena from such systems, including:
pulsations from rapidly-spinning neutron stars, intense bursts from
thermonuclear burning, eclipses, and dips due to occulting material on
the disk edge. X-ray spectroscopy and fast timing studies reveal a
wealth of information about the physical processes taking place in
these complex systems.
The Lab is very active in X-ray binary studies. Some local web pages are
linked below.
Current Group Members
Tod Strohmayer
Peter Bult
Katja Pottschmidt
Mike Corcoran
Tim Kallman
Group members with web pages
