A study of X-ray binaries in the local universe

Joseph, Tana (2013) A study of X-ray binaries in the local universe. University of Southampton, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Doctoral Thesis, 121pp.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

In this thesis I present the research carried out on X-ray binaries in the Local Universe. These X-ray binaries are found in a wide variety of environments and display an array of interesting characteristics. I present strong evidence for the discovery of a new black hole X-ray binary in a globular cluster of a nearby elliptical galaxy. At the time of discovery it was only the second such system known. I also present the first X-ray spectroscopic analysis of a source found in the central region of the nearby starburst galaxy, M82. This source is most likely a high mass X-ray binary system and displays peculiar X-ray characteristics relative to its behaviour at other wavelengths. I study the temporal and spectroscopic behaviour of the first black hole binary found in a globular cluster. The spectra of this source show evidence for a strong, soft X-ray emission line. I also study the global properties of X-ray binaries. I analyse the X-ray binary population of NGC4472, a nearby elliptical galaxy. I compare these sources to those of other galaxies and also analyse the characteristics of subpopulations of X-ray binaries within the galaxy

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