X-ray luminosity function of accreting neutron stars and black holes

TL;DR

This paper models the X-ray luminosity functions of accreting neutron stars and black holes in different galaxy types using binary population synthesis and detailed binary evolution calculations, successfully reproducing observed distributions.

Contribution

It introduces a combined modeling approach using BSE and MESA codes to generate and analyze XLFs across galaxy types, enhancing understanding of X-ray source populations.

Findings

XLFs are broadly reproduced with standard binary evolution assumptions.

The modeling approach effectively matches observed X-ray luminosity distributions.

Both galaxy types show similar XLF characteristics under the model.

Abstract

We model X-ray luminosity functions (XLF) of accreting neutron stars and black holes in $10^{35} \leq L_X \leq 10^{41}$ erg/s range in star-forming galaxies and galaxies with the initial star formation burst. XLFs are obtained by combining a fast generation of compact object+normal star population using the binary population synthesis code BSE and calculation of the subsequent detailed binary evolution by the MESA code. XLFs in the galaxies of both types is broadly reproduced using the standard assumptions of the binary star evolution.