# XMM-Newton observation of MV Lyr and the sandwiched model confirmation

## TL;DR

This study uses XMM-Newton observations to analyze the spectral and timing properties of MV Lyr, confirming the sandwiched model with a hot corona surrounding a thin disc, and revealing correlated X-ray and UV variability.

## Contribution

It provides the first high signal-to-noise X-ray spectrum of MV Lyr and tests the sandwiched model through spectral and timing analyses, confirming the presence of a hot corona and characteristic variability features.

## Key findings

- Spectral data consistent with a cooling flow or 2-T plasma model.
- Detection of a dominant break frequency in the X-ray PDS at log(f/Hz) = -3.
- Simultaneous UV and X-ray flares with delayed X-ray peaks.

## Abstract

We present spectral and timing analyses of simultaneous X-ray and UV observations of the VY Scl system MV Lyr taken by XMM-Newton, containing the longest continuous X-ray+UV light curve and highest signal-to-noise X-ray (EPIC) spectrum to date. The RGS spectrum displays emission lines plus continuum, confirming model approaches to be based on thermal plasma models. We test the sandwiched model based on fast variability that predicts a geometrically thick corona that surrounds an inner geometrically thin disc. The EPIC spectra are consistent with either a cooling flow model or a 2-T collisional plasma plus Fe emission lines in which the hotter component may be partially absorbed which would then originate in a central corona or a partially obscured boundary layer, respectively. The cooling flow model yields a lower mass accretion rate than expected during the bright state, suggesting an evaporated plasma with a low density, thus consistent with a corona. Timing analysis confirms the presence of a dominant break frequency around log(f/Hz) = -3 in the X-ray Power Density Spectrum (PDS) as in the optical PDS. The complex soft/hard X-ray light curve behaviour is consistent with a region close to the white dwarf where the hot component is generated. The soft component can be connected to an extended region. We find another break frequency around log(f/Hz) = -3.4 that is also detected by Kepler. We compared flares at different wavelengths and found that the peaks are simultaneous but the rise to maximum is delayed in X-rays with respect to UV.