The Quasi-Roche lobe overflow state in the evolution of Close Binary Systems containing a radio pulsar

TL;DR

This paper models the evolution of close binary systems with neutron stars, revealing a quasi-Roche lobe overflow state that explains redback pulsars and predicts cyclic transitions between X-ray binaries and radio pulsars.

Contribution

It introduces models including irradiation feedback and evaporation, showing the existence of a quasi-RLOF state relevant to redback pulsars, which was not previously characterized.

Findings

Redback companions are likely quasi-RLOF stars.

Models explain the PSR J1723-2837 system.

Binary systems cycle between LMXB and pulsar states over million-year timescales.

Abstract

We study the evolution of close binary systems formed by a normal (solar composition), intermediate mass donor star together with a neutron star. We consider models including irradiation feedback and evaporation. These non-standard ingredients deeply modify the mass transfer stages of these binaries. While models that neglect irradiation feedback undergo continuous, long standing mass transfer episodes, models including these effect suffer a number cycles of mass transfer and detachment. During mass transfer the systems should reveal themselves as low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs), whereas when detached they behave as a binary radio pulsars. We show that at these stages irradiated models are in a Roche lobe overflow (RLOF) state or in a quasi-RLOF state. Quasi-RLOF stars have a radius slightly smaller than its Roche lobe. Remarkably, these conditions are attained for orbital period and donor mass values in the range corresponding to a family of binary radio pulsars known as "redbacks". Thus, redback companions should be quasi-RLOF stars. We show that the characteristics of the redback system PSR J1723-2837 are accounted for by these models. In each mass transfer cycle these systems should switch from LMXB to binary radio pulsar states with a timescale of \sim million years. However, there is recent and fast growing evidence of systems switching on far shorter, human timescales. This should be related to instabilities in the accretion disc surrounding the neutron star and/or radio ejection, still to be included in the model having the quasi-RLOF state as a general condition.