X-ray emission from black-hole and neutron-star binaries

TL;DR

This paper reviews the main X-ray observational features of black-hole and neutron-star binaries, focusing on their similarities, differences, and fast-timing behavior to enhance understanding of their physical properties.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of X-ray characteristics and fast-timing behavior of black-hole and neutron-star binaries, highlighting key observational distinctions.

Findings

Black-hole and neutron-star binaries show distinct fast-timing signatures.

X-ray spectral features differ between the two types of binaries.

Similarities in X-ray emission suggest common accretion processes.

Abstract

In this chapter, I present the main X-ray observational characteristics of black-hole binaries and low magnetic field neutron-star binaries, concentrating on what can be considered similarities or differences, with particular emphasis on their fast-timing behaviour.