Constraining Progenitors of Observed LMXBs Using CARB Magnetic Braking

TL;DR

This paper introduces a reverse population synthesis method using MESA and the CARB magnetic braking scheme to constrain the progenitors of observed low mass X-ray binaries, matching models to observations.

Contribution

It develops a novel reverse synthesis technique that uses detailed stellar evolution and a new magnetic braking model to identify possible progenitors of observed LMXBs.

Findings

CARB magnetic braking reproduces observed LMXB properties

Minimum of 1500 LMXB formations per Gyr in the Milky Way

Cyg X-2 formation rate estimated at 9000 per Gyr

Abstract

We present a new method for constraining the mass transfer evolution of low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) - a reverse population synthesis technique. This is done using the detailed 1D stellar evolution code MESA (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics) to evolve a high-resolution grid of binary systems spanning a comprehensive range of initial donor masses and orbital periods. We use the recently developed Convection And Rotation Boosted (CARB) magnetic braking scheme. The CARB magnetic braking scheme is the only magnetic braking prescription capable of reproducing an entire sample of well studied persistent LMXBs -- those with their mass ratios, periods and mass transfer rates that have been observationally determined. Using the reverse population synthesis technique, where we follow any simulated system that successfully reproduces an observed LMXB backwards, we have constrained possible progenitors for each observed well-studied persistent LMXB. We also determined that the minimum number of LMXB formations in the Milky Way is 1500 per Gyr if we exclude Cyg X-2. For Cyg X-2, the most likely formation rate is 9000 LMXB per Gyr. The technique we describe can be applied to any observed LMXB with well-constrained mass ratios, period and mass transfer rate. With the upcoming GAIA DR3 containing information on binary systems, this technique can be applied to the data release to search for progenitors of observed persistent LMXBs.