Improved spectral models for relativistic reflection

TL;DR

This paper introduces advanced spectral models for relativistic reflection in accretion disk systems, incorporating precise photon transfer calculations in Kerr spacetime and improved geometrical considerations.

Contribution

The authors present novel spectral models that accurately simulate relativistic reflection with enhanced geometrical and radiative process descriptions.

Findings

Models account for primary sources on both sides of the disc.

Improved photon transfer calculations in Kerr metric.

Enhanced accuracy in spectral predictions for truncated discs.

Abstract

We have developed improved spectral models of relativistic reflection in the lamppost and disc-corona geometries. The models calculate photon transfer in the Kerr metric and give the observed photon-energy spectra produced by either thermal Comptonization or an e-folded power law incident on a cold ionized disc. Radiative processes in the primary X-ray source and in the disc are described with the currently most precise available models. Our implementation of the lamppost geometry takes into account the presence of primary sources on both sides of the disc, which is important when the disc is truncated. We thoroughly discuss the differences between our models and the previous ones.