Two Dynamically Discovered Compact Object Candidate Binary Systems from LAMOST Low-resolution Survey

TL;DR

This study identifies two binary systems with M-type stars and candidate compact objects, likely white dwarfs, using LAMOST low-resolution data, follow-up spectroscopy, and light curve analysis, demonstrating an effective method for discovering faint compact objects.

Contribution

The paper presents the discovery of two binary systems with candidate white dwarf companions using combined spectroscopic and photometric data, showcasing a new approach for detecting faint compact objects.

Findings

Both systems likely contain white dwarf companions.

Mass estimates for the unseen objects exceed that of the visible stars.

Method demonstrates efficiency in identifying faint compact objects in binaries.

Abstract

We report two binary systems, LAMOST J035540+381550 (hereafter J035540) and LAMOST J035916+400732 (hereafter J035916), identified through the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) low-resolution survey (LRS). Each of these two systems contains an M-type star orbiting with a invisible compact object candidate. Follow-up spectroscopic observations of Palomar 200-inch telescope (P200) enhance radial velocity measurements. We use radial velocities from LAMOST and P200, as well as light curves from Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) to constrain orbital parameters. The masses of the visible M-type stars are estimated by fitting the MIST isochrones and SEDs. The mass functions for the unseen companions are: $0.22\pm 0.01 M_{\odot}$ for J035540 and $0.16\pm 0.01 M_{\odot}$ for J035916. With the orbital and stellar parameters derived above and assuming the orbital inclination is 90 degree (edge-on), we find that the minimum masses of the invisible companions exceeds that of the visible stars. The single-lined feature and the dynamical evidence suggest the presence of compact objects. J035540's ZTF light curve, modeled with PHOEBE, yields a compact object mass of $0.70^{+0.12}_{-0.05} M_{\odot}$. For J035916, ellipsoidal modulation analysis constrains the light curve amplitude, yielding a compact object mass range of $0.57-0.90 M_{\odot}$. The mass estimates indicate that both are likely white dwarfs. These findings underscore the efficiency of optical time-domain surveys and dynamical methods in identifying faint, massive white dwarfs, along with other compact objects in binaries.