Discovery of an ultracompact gamma-ray millisecond pulsar binary candidate

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of a candidate ultracompact gamma-ray millisecond pulsar binary with a 75-minute orbital period, potentially the first of its kind, identified through multi-wavelength observations and theoretical modeling.

Contribution

It presents the identification and characterization of a new ultracompact gamma-ray MSP binary candidate, combining observational data and theoretical estimates.

Findings

Identified a 75-minute orbital period binary system.

Suggested the system is a black widow/redback type gamma-ray MSP.

Estimated the MSP's spin period to be approximately 2 ms.

Abstract

We report multi-wavelength observations of the unidentified Fermi object 2FGL J1653.6-0159. With the help of high-resolution X-ray observation, we have identified an X-ray and optical counterpart of 2FGL J1653.6-0159. The source exhibits a periodic modulation of 75 min in optical and possibly also in X-ray. We suggest that 2FGL J1653.6-0159 is a compact binary system with an orbital period of 75 min. Combining the gamma-ray and X-ray properties, 2FGL J1653.6-0159 is potentially a black widow/redback type gamma-ray millisecond pulsar (MSP). The optical and X-ray lightcurve profiles show that the companion is mildly heated by the high-energy emission and the X-rays are from intrabinary shock. Although no radio pulsation has been detected yet, we estimated that the spin period of the MSP is ~2ms based on a theoretical model. If pulsation can be confirmed in the future, 2FGL J1653.6-0159 will become the first ultracompact rotation-powered MSP.