1E161348-5055 in the Supernova Remnant RCW 103: A Magnetar in a Young Low Mass Binary System?

TL;DR

This paper proposes that the X-ray source 1E161348-5055 is a magnetar in a young low mass binary system, with a neutron star spun down to an equilibrium period by magnetic and propeller torques.

Contribution

It introduces the idea that 1E161348-5055 is a magnetar in a low mass binary, a novel scenario not previously considered for this source.

Findings

Neutron star has a 6.67 hr spin period.

Neutron star's magnetic field is around 10^15 G.

Possible first case of a magnetar in a low mass binary system.

Abstract

We suggest that the unique X-ray source 1E161348-5055 at the centre of the supernova remnant RCW 103 consists of a neutron star in close orbit with a low mass main sequence star. The time signature of 6.67 hr is interpreted as the neutron star's spin period. This requires the neutron star to be endowed with a high surface magnetic field of~10^15 G. Magnetic or/and material (propeller) torques are able to spin rapidly the young neutron star down to an asymptotic, equilibrium spin period in close synchronism with the orbital period, similarly to what happens in the Polar Cataclysmic Variables. 1E161348-5055 could be the first case of a magnetar born in a young low mass binary system.