The Case for Massive, Evolving Winds in Black Hole X-ray Binaries

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy studies showing that accretion disk winds in black hole X-ray binaries are massive, highly variable, and intricately linked to jets and accretion processes.

Contribution

It highlights the importance of high-resolution observations in understanding the variability and driving mechanisms of disk winds in black hole X-ray binaries.

Findings

Disk winds are extremely massive and variable.

Strong links between inner accretion flow, jets, and winds.

Methods to infer wind driving mechanisms are discussed.

Abstract

In the last decade, high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy has revolutionized our understanding of the role of accretion disk winds in black hole X-ray binaries. Here I present a brief review of the state of wind studies in black hole X-ray binaries, focusing on recent arguments that disk winds are not only extremely massive, but also highly variable. I show how new and archival observations at high timing and spectral resolution continue to highlight the intricate links between the inner accretion flow, relativistic jets, and accretion disk winds. Finally, I discuss methods to infer the driving mechanisms of observed disk winds and their implications for connections between mass accretion and ejection processes.