The Tarantula Massive Binary Monitoring VI: Characterisation of hidden companions in 51 single-lined O-type binaries, a flat mass-ratio distribution, and black-hole binary candidates

TL;DR

This study characterizes hidden companions in 51 single-lined O-type binaries in the LMC, finds a flat mass-ratio distribution, and identifies potential black-hole binary candidates, contributing to understanding massive star evolution and binary populations.

Contribution

It introduces the shift-and-add grid disentangling technique to detect hidden companions and establishes the first comprehensive flat mass-ratio distribution for O-type stars at LMC metallicity.

Findings

84% of SB1 systems have non-degenerate companions

Two new OB+BH candidates identified

Flat mass-ratio distribution confirmed across the sample

Abstract

We aim to hunt for massive binaries hosting a black hole companion (OB+BH) and establish the natal mass-ratio distribution of massive stars at the subsolar metallicity environment of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). We use the shift-and-add grid disentangling technique to characterize the hidden companions in 51 SB1 O-type and evolved B-type binaries in the LMC monitored in the framework of the Tarantula Massive Binary Monitoring (TMBM). Out of the 51 SB1 systems, 43 (84%) are found to have non-degenerate stellar companions, of which 28 are confident detections, and 15 are less certain (SB1: or SB2:). Of these 43 targets, one is found to be a triple (VFTS 64), and two are found to be quadruples (VFTS 120, 702). The remaining eight targets (16%) retain an SB1 classification. Aside from the unambiguous case of VFTS 243, analysed in detailed in a separate paper, we identify two additional OB+BH candidates: VFTS 514 and VFTS 779. Additional black holes may be present in the sample but at a lower probability. Our study firmly establishes a virtually flat natal mass-ratio distribution for O-type stars at LMC metallicity, covering the entire mass-ratio range (0.05 < q < 1) and periods in the range 0 < log P < 3 [d]. The nature of the OB+BH candidates should be verified through future monitoring, but the frequency of OB+BH candidates is generally in line with recent predictions at LMC metallicity.