An Analysis of X-Ray Photon Count Rate from Supermassive and Stellar Black Hole Accretion Disks

Kevin Readen Loudoun County Academy of Science United States

Abstract

I studied whether the mass of a black hole affects the rate at which its accretion disk emits x-ray photons. I analyzed light curves from the All Sky Monitor to determine how well a lognormal distribution function fits the rate of emission and if there is a statistically significant difference between the lognormal distributions for accretion disks of black holes of different masses. In particular, I looked at the effect of the mass of the black hole on the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean of the lognormal distributions. I compared the ratio for stellar black holes to the ratio for supermassive black holes. Using a two-tailed t-test to determine independence, I found that there is no statistical evidence of difference between stellar and supermassive black holes.

Introduction

A black hole consists of what is known as a singularity and its local accretion disk. A singularity is a "point" with infinite density created when a star collapses into itself upon using up all its fuel (Benjamin, 1997). This singularity with infinite density has such a powerful gravitational pull on its surroundings that it bends space into itself, creating with this gravitational force what is known as an accretion disk of local material. An accretion disk is created when one stellar entity accretes, or gathers, material from another celestial object. This material, usually gas, cannot escape the pull of the black hole but cannot fall directly into its source either, creating a swirling effect like water going down a drain. This swirling causes a friction, which in turn causes this gas to become extremely hot, giving off energy in the form of x-rays that can be used to study these disks (Krimm, 2000). This friction, or rather the gaining of energy the particles go through, is thought by me to be attributed to Compton up-scattering. This is a process in which lower-energy particles are hit by a high-energy electron and gain energy, becoming X-ray photons. Up-scattering is the opposite of the original Compton scattering, where particles let loose an electron and lose energy (Compton, 1923). This accretion disk's emission of x-rays provides an opportunity to study these disks, the black holes themselves, and how their count rates fluctuate or differ. Already studies have been conducted analyzing x-ray observations from accretion disks around black holes, specifically for the purpose of creating a more precise manner of modeling black hole accretion disks (Kawaguchi, & Ebisawa, 2006). Many of these studies are looking at flux

or spectral data in trying to potentially determine the mass of any black hole looked at (Soria, & Kuncic, 2008) (Poutanen, 2001). Further research in this area may include analysis of known properties of black holes and their accretion disks, including phenomena that occur in strong gravitational fields with line analysis, quantitative analysis of x-ray emission, and a new frontier for the subject: attempts to measure black hole spin (McClintock, & Remillard, 2006). This study tells of how almost all Black Hole Binaries (BHBs) - those black holes formed when one star of a pair in a system turns into a black hole as it runs out of fuel faster than the other - are x-ray novae. That means that they emit energy in the form of x-rays. As these BHBs are noticed and monitored by wide-field x-ray cameras on orbiting satellites, (McClintock, & Remillard, 2006) it is observed that they go through periodic outbursts of x-rays caused most likely by insufficient rates of flow of matter from the donor star to the compact object. The outer accretion rings fill up -- but not the inner ring -- until it reaches a critical point (McClintock, & Remillard, 2006). The studies incorporate luminosity as well as count rate of x-ray photons, but for this study I will be examining the count rate of the x-ray photons only. I will be taking data from NASA and analyzing both individual black holes over a period of time and black holes as groups. This is to determine possible correlation between mass and x-ray photon emission count rate and between other unknown properties of black holes and the x-ray emissions over time. X-rays are also used to model effects of the gravitational field around black holes, including relativistic x-ray lines from the inner accretion disk and furthering analysis of black hole spin (Miller, 2007). Miller's study details the genesis of observation of x-ray

lines in the accretion disk of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs; massive black holes) and Stellar-mass black holes, whose disks both follow the standard ShakuraSunyaev model. There is not just one type of black hole. Black holes are categorized by mass, measured in solar masses. There are two types of black holes: Stellar-mass black holes of between 4 and 15 solar masses and supermassive black holes of millions of solar masses. These supermassive black holes are mysterious in that it is still unknown as of yet how they grow. They appear to be the central engines for quasars and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) (Shankar, 2009). These black holes themselves are connected in Shankar's study to the growth of the galaxy in which they reside. The greatest difference between these two types of black hole is the fact that the black holes have masses much larger than the mass of a stellar black hole and are usually connected in some way with the formation and existence of a galaxy (Shankar, 2009). The high sensitivities of recent detection systems have allowed more analysis of AGN x-ray emission. (Brandt et al., 2004). The purpose of the study from Brandt was to determine if the growth and behavior of AGNs are comparable to Stellar black holes. The conclusion of this study was that the AGNs and Stellar black holes have comparable accretion activity and x-ray emission, which is partly what the study being conducted by me will be analyzing. In a previous study by Ian McHardy, he uses what is being collected in this project, the x-ray photon emission count rate, in analyzing soft and hard spectral states of AGN and BHBs for the slightly different purpose of determining greater properties of the black holes. This study can be used as a corollary to mine, both as a potential for further in-depth analysis of what Im looking at and as a spring-board for further uses for my results.

The project that will be conducted is an analysis of the count rate of x-ray photon emission from the accretion disks of both supermassive and stellar black holes to determine if there is any correlation between the mass of the black hole and the count rate of x-ray photon emission. In determining whether there is a correlation between mass of the black hole and frequency of x-ray emission, one is able to further understand the workings of the singularity and build upon that understanding to gain further knowledge. Additionally, the knowledge of the relationship between mass and x-ray photon emission can be used to examine unknown black holes and assigning a mass estimate. For example, if it is determined that the supermassive black hole will have a higher count rate of x-ray photon emission, the next step might be to conduct analysis with the purpose of determining the cause of this difference, or how it differs from stellar black holes' rates. The study that will be conducted by me will be a modification of a previous study by Damon Rosenburg in which he obtains data from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer's (RXTE) two sensors, the Proportional Counter Array, and the All Sky Monitor. My study will be a much more comprehensive continuation in which I gather many data from different sources in different formats, as well as those from which Mr. Rosenburg acquired his, and run a larger analysis comparing the black holes within the large group and specific black holes variations. Additional potential uses or avenues for research similar to this project include the use of analysis of this count rate within a greater analysis of the spectral states of Black Hole Binaries (BHBs) and AGNs for determining greater properties of the black holes (McHardy, 2009). The purpose of the experiment is to determine the effect of mass on the emission of x-ray photons. It was thought that, because of their greater mass and therefore greater gravitational pull, that the

supermassive black hole would have a greater rate of emission due to higher "friction" in the accretion disk giving off more photons. If a black hole has a greater mass, then the rate of emission of x-ray photons will be greater.

Materials and Method

Materials:

Computer Data manipulation software (Excel) Data from the RXTE Weather Map

Method: The first thing needed to do in this project is to acquire data. This is a very large part of the project, as the project itself is mostly data manipulation and analysis. The data was acquired from NASAs All Sky Monitor (ASM) and related databases. A total of 14

data sources were found; 8 supermassive black holes and 6 stellar black holes. This collection uses the computer and data sources in the materials. The next step was to graph count rate in relation to time. This gave a view of the unedited data as gathered. What came next was the calculating of the natural log of each of the count rates. This is in preparation for creating a lognormal distribution to compare with gathered data. Starting analysis, the maximum and minimum value of these ln (count rates) were determined for use in creating bins. The standard deviation and mean were also determined using Excel, another of the materials listed. For use in comparing data points later, the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean was also found. Next, bins were created with equal intervals so that at least 3 values would fall into each bin from the ln (count rate). Generally, 10 bins was the normal starting number of bins. Using the frequency function in Excel, the frequency for which the values fell within each bin was found. Next, individual bin limits were averaged to find the center of the bin for easier graphing. Using the normalization equation, the ln (count rates) were put through to create a normal curve calculation. In this case, n is the sample size, is the standard deviation, is the count rate bin, and is the mean. Then, these values were multiplied by the bin size. Finally, a histogram of the frequency and the calculated normal curve was made. To analyze this histogram, a chi-square goodness of fit test was used. This whole process was then repeated for all of the other stellar black holes, and then all of the supermassive data points. Then, a histogram of ratios for stellar versus supermassive black holes was created and, using a two-tailed t-test, the ratios of the groups (supermassive and stellar) were compared.

Data:

This is an example of a star's raw data as gathered from NASA. The values used as data are those under the label "flux"

ASM Definitive Light Curve Data for LMCX1

Here is the definitive flux data for LMCX1. The time values are RXTE Mission Days (defined as the number of days since January 1, 1994, 00:00:00 UT). Flux units are counts per second per SSC.
Plot Data

Average Time 780.584 826.809 874.314 917.443 954.193 992.845 1035.03 1093.553 1139.356 1190.561 1255.333 1322.442 1383.255 1452.317 1528.462 1588.494 1637.774 1712.757 1816.653 1900.652 1953.701

Weighted Mean Flux Error 1.35 1.48 1.58 1.39 1.43 1.46 1.47 1.61 1.57 1.37 1.48 1.43 1.42 1.57 1.52 1.48 1.56 1.44 1.72 1.64 1.64

Bin Size 0.07 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 181 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700

2007.693 2073.517 2128.11 2187.162 2234.202 2305.687 2380.724 2440.95 2500.137 2554.617 2632.096 2692.749 2735.695 2774.011 2824.291 2882.44 2944.675 3006.087 3068.583 3119.527 3178.208 3230.35 3291.272 3339.972 3400.666 3454.325 3518.453 3577.434 3631.014 3682.227 3736.603 3787.115 3836.535 3901.079 3959.994 4017.407 4067.286 4126.586 4202.099 4264.979 4320.034 4390.193 4451.692 4507.448

1.74 1.72 1.69 1.68 1.7 1.73 1.7 1.46 1.33 1.51 1.49 1.64 1.43 1.58 1.39 1.33 1.48 1.56 1.59 1.54 1.22 1.22 1.49 1.38 1.5 1.45 1.39 1.28 1.36 1.36 1.48 1.67 1.59 1.38 1.41 1.59 1.55 1.63 1.58 1.32 1.48 1.61 1.64 1.5

0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04

700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700

4574.544 4630.179 4679.231 4724.881 4784.225 4845.929 4918.761 4982.529 5033.889 5084.592 5143.932 5201.253 5266.24 5328.883 5393.968 5446.825 5492.924 5543.034 5601.045 5671.579 5742.448 5802.151 5868.104 5945.279 6053.395 6223.599

1.55 1.52 1.49 1.56 1.67 1.74 1.71 1.67 1.56 1.56 1.53 1.64 1.66 1.65 1.54 1.49 1.8 1.64 1.41 1.47 1.54 1.39 1.38 1.3 1.34 1.42

0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.05

700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700 700

What follows is an example of where this data comes from (a graphical representation of the data) This is the lightcurve for a stellar black hole: XTEJ1118+480

Results: What follows are two examples of individual black hole graphs modeling the lognormal distribution, one stellar and one supermassive. This is for stellar LMCX1
F requenc y vs. L og norm al Distribution for S tellar L MCX 1
25 20 F requency 15 10 5 0 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 L ogof the F lux Values Lognormal Dsitribution Frequency

The P value indicates a fit. This is for supermassive NGC4338

Frequency vs. Lognormal Distribution for Supermassive NGC4338
25 20 Frequency 15 10 5 0 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 Log of the Flux Values

Frequency Lognormal Distribution

This P value indicates the distribution does not fit the data well.

This is representative of the work used to create the ratios necessary to do the final analysis for supermassive black holes versus stellar black holes.

STD XTEJ1118+4 80 IC443SNR GROJ0422+ 32 LMCX-1 1E2259.0+5 836 GRS1009-45 0.563 0.347 0.662 0.085 0.341 0.741

Mean 7.938 -1.073 -2.532 0.414 -0.334 -2.662

Ratio 0.0709 25 0.3233 9 0.2614 5 0.2053 14 1.0209 6 0.2783 6 0.2273 4 0.2697 8 0.3129 4 0.0720 39 0.4024 23

Type S s S S S S

NGC4388 3C279 3C273 MKN421 Akn 564

0.326 0.75 0.353 0.573 0.299

-1.434 -2.78 -1.128 7.954 0.743

SM SM SM SM SM

MKN180 NGC4151 PKS0537441

0.523 0.531 0.552

-2.533 -0.92 7.954

0.2064 7 SM 0.5771 7 SM 0.0693 99 SM

What follows is one representation of the final results used to formulate the conclusion

Stellar Vs. Supermassive Black Hole Ratios

4.5 4 3.5 Number of Ratios 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 -0.58 -0.333 -0.086 0.161 0.408 Bin limits for Ratio of STD to Mean Stellar Black Holes Supermassive Black Holes

Discussion: A total of 14 data points were analyzed, with 8 being supermassive black holes and 6 being stellar. An f-test was used to determine that the variances, in respect to the ttest, would be equal. The t-test with equal variances determined returned a two-tail P value of 0.493, well above that of our 0.05 alpha value. This means that we were unable to reject the null hypothesis and that there is not sufficient proof to say that there is a statistical difference between the ratios of the standard deviation to the mean of supermassive black holes and stellar black holes. This investigation has found no reason to believe that the mass of a black hole affects the rate of x-ray photon emission from its accretion disk. In regards to the distribution of individual black holes, the lack of a common trend in how well the distribution fits the data does not allow for adequate conclusions, with some black holes indicating being fit well by the lognormal distribution and others not. Due to the relative scarcity of data, however, this conclusion and that of the fact that there is no statistical difference for the two types of black holes may not be indicative of the entire population of black holes. In order to flesh out the project and make a conclusion that would be more likely to be correct, one would need many more data sources -- black holes -- to run a more thorough analysis.

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