Hard X-ray/soft gamma-ray Characteristics of the Persistent Emission from Magnetars

TL;DR

This paper reviews high-energy research on the persistent hard X-ray emission from magnetars, highlighting recent phase-resolved spectral analyses over a broad energy range and discussing future observational prospects.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of recent spectral analysis results for magnetars, especially 1RXS J1708-40, and discusses future observational opportunities with MAXI.

Findings

Phase-resolved spectral analysis reveals detailed emission characteristics.

Updated results for 1E 1841-045 and SGR 1806-10 are presented.

Future MAXI observations could enhance understanding of magnetar emissions.

Abstract

In this paper the current status of high-energy research on the hard X-ray characteristics of the persistent emission from magnetars is reviewed. Focus is put on recent intriguing results for 1RXS J1708-40, from phase resolved spectral analysis over a 2 decades wide energy band (~3-300 keV) combining contemporaneous RXTE, XMM and INTEGRAL data. For 1E 1841-045 and SGR 1806-10 we also present updated results. The perspective for future MAXI observations for this source class is also addressed.