Searching for X-ray Variability in the Glitching Anomalous X-ray Pulsar 1E 1841-045 in Kes 73

TL;DR

This study analyzed archival X-ray data of the AXP 1E 1841-045 to investigate if glitches are generally associated with radiative changes, finding no such correlation in this case.

Contribution

The paper provides evidence that glitches in AXPs are not necessarily accompanied by radiative flux changes, challenging previous assumptions about their behavior.

Findings

No glitch-correlated flux variability detected

AXP glitches may not be universally associated with radiative changes

Supports the idea that glitch behavior varies among AXPs

Abstract

Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs) are now established to exhibit significant X-ray variability and be prolific glitchers, with some glitches being accompanied by large radiative changes. An open issue is whether AXP glitches are generically accompanied by radiative changes, relevant for understanding magnetar physical properties. Here we report on an analysis of archival X-ray data from the AXP 1E~1841$-$045, obtained between 1993 and 2007. This AXP, located in the center of SNR Kes~73, has exhibited three glitches between 2002 and 2007, as determined by {\it RXTE} monitoring since 1999. We have searched for evidence of phase-averaged flux variability that could be present if glitches in AXPs are usually accompanied by radiative changes. We find no evidence for glitch-correlated flux changes from this source, arguing that such behavior is not generic to AXPs.