Swift observations of the SFXT SAX J1818.6-1703 in outburst

TL;DR

This paper reports Swift telescope observations of the SFXT SAX J1818.6-1703 during its recent outburst, providing spectroscopic and timing analysis that confirm its classification within the supergiant fast X-ray transient class.

Contribution

First detailed broad-band spectroscopic and timing analysis of SAX J1818.6-1703 during an outburst, confirming its membership in the SFXT class.

Findings

Outburst duration and spectral properties resemble those of XTE J1739-302.

Broad-band spectral models support classification as an SFXT.

Light curve analysis spans over two weeks of observations.

Abstract

We present the Swift observations of the supergiant fast X-ray transient (SFXT) SAX J1818.6-1703 collected during the most recent outburst, which occurred on May 6 2009. In particular, we present broad-band spectroscopic and timing analysis as well as a Swift/XRT light curve that spans more than two weeks of observations. The broad-band spectral models and length of the outburst resemble those of the prototype of the SFXT class, XTE J1739-302, further confirming SAX J1818.6-1703 as a member of this class.