# On the ultra-compact nature of the neutron star system 1RXS J170854.4-321857: insights from X-ray spectroscopy

## TL;DR

This study analyzes X-ray spectra of the neutron star binary 1RXS J170854.4-321857, revealing spectral features and composition clues that support its classification as an ultra-compact X-ray binary system.

## Contribution

It provides detailed spectral analysis and evidence supporting the classification of 1RXS J170854.4-321857 as an ultra-compact X-ray binary candidate based on spectral features and composition.

## Key findings

- Spectral features suggest non-solar plasma composition.
- Persistent low-luminosity state confirmed the system's nature.
- Absorption features indicate over-abundances of Ne and Fe.

## Abstract

The relatively small family of ultra-compact X-ray binary systems is of great interest for many areas of astrophysics. We report on a detailed X-ray spectral study of the persistent neutron star low mass X-ray binary 1RXS J170854.4-321857. We analysed two XMM-Newton observations obtained in late 2004 and early 2005 when, in agreement with previous studies, the system displayed an X-ray luminosity (0.5-10 keV) of ~1 x 10^36 erg s-1. The spectrum can be described by a Comptonized emission component with Gamma~1.9 and a distribution of seed photons with a temperature of ~ 0.23 keV. A prominent residual feature is present at soft energies, which is reproduced by the absorption model if over-abundances of Ne and Fe are allowed. We discuss how similar observables, that might be attributed to the peculiar (non-solar) composition of the plasma donated by the companion star, are a common feature in confirmed and candidate ultra-compact systems. Although this interpretation is still under debate, we conclude that the detection of these features along with the persistent nature of the source at such low luminosity and the intermediate-long burst that it displayed in the past confirms 1RXS J170854.4-321857as a solid ultra-compact X-ray binary candidate.