RXTE determination of the intermediate polar status of XSS J00564+4548, IGR J17195-4100, and XSS J12270-4859

TL;DR

This study uses RXTE observations to identify and analyze the characteristics of three candidate intermediate polars, confirming one as an intermediate polar and suggesting the others may belong to the class.

Contribution

The paper provides the first definitive identification of XSS J00564+4548 as an intermediate polar based on timing and spectral analysis.

Findings

XSS J00564+4548 has a confirmed spin period of 465.68 s.

IGR J17195-4100 shows multiple candidate periods and a power-law spectrum.

XSS J12270-4859 exhibits a candidate spin period of 859.57 s and a power-law spectrum.

Abstract

Aims: We determine the nature of the intermediate polar candidates XSS J00564+4548, IGR J17195-4100, and XSS J12270-4859. Methods: Pointed RXTE observations searched for intermediate polar characteristics in these candidate systems. Results: XSS J00564+4548 exhibits a period of 465.68+-0.07 s, which we interpret as the spin period, an energy dependent modulation depth, and a spectrum that is fit by a 22 keV photoelectrically absorbed bremsstrahlung with an iron line profile. IGR J17195-4100 shows several candidate periodicities and a spectrum that is fit by a power law with an iron line. XSS J12270-4859 exhibits a candidate spin period of 859.57+-0.64 s and a spectrum that is fit by a power law with no evidence of an iron line. Conclusions: XSS J00564+4548 is confirmed to be an intermediate polar. IGR J17195-4100 and XSS J12270-4859 both show some properties of intermediate polars, but cannot be confirmed as definite members of the class here.