X-ray observations of VY Scl type nova-like binaries in the high and low state

TL;DR

This study analyzes X-ray observations of VY Scl-type nova-like binaries in different optical states, revealing complex emission spectra and challenging previous hypotheses about supersoft X-ray sources and the systems' magnetic nature.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the X-ray spectral characteristics and physical mechanisms in VY Scl systems, including the possible role of winds and magnetic accretion.

Findings

No supersoft X-ray sources detected in low states.

X-ray flux varies significantly between states.

Complex emission spectra suggest multiple physical regions.

Abstract

Four VY Scl-type nova-like systems were observed in X-rays during both the low and the high optical states. We examined Chandra, ROSAT, Swift and Suzaku archival observations of BZ Cam, MV Lyr, TT Ari, and V794 Aql. The X-ray flux of BZ Cam is higher during the low state, but there is no supersoft X-ray source (SSS) as hypothesized in previous articles. No SSS was detected in the low state of the any of the other systems, with the X-ray flux decreasing by a factor between 2 and 50. The best fit to the Swift X-ray spectra is obtained with a multi-component model of plasma in collisional ionization equilibrium. The high state high resolution spectra of TT Ari taken with Chandra ACIS-S and the HETG gratings show a rich emission line spectrum, with prominent lines of in Mg, Si, Ne, and S. The complexity of this spectrum seems to have origin in more than one region, or more than one single physical mechanism. While several emission lines are consistent with a cooling flow in an accretion stream, there is at least an additional component. We discuss the origin of this component, which is probably arising in a wind from the system. We also examine the possibility that the VY Scl systems may be intermediate polars, and that while the boundary layer of the accretion disk emits only in the extreme ultraviolet, part of the X-ray flux may be due to magnetically driven accretion.