Multi-messenger Emission by Magnetically Arrested Disks and Relativistic Jets of Black Hole X-ray Binaries

TL;DR

This paper proposes a model where magnetically arrested disks and jets in black hole X-ray binaries produce multi-messenger signals, including ultrahigh-energy gamma rays and neutrinos, explaining observed emissions and potential contributions to Galactic diffuse emission.

Contribution

It introduces a novel scenario linking MADs and jets to UHE gamma-ray and neutrino production in BHXBs, providing a unified explanation for multi-wavelength emissions.

Findings

MADs can accelerate particles to produce UHE gamma rays.

Jets contribute to GeV gamma-ray emission via electron acceleration.

BHXBs may significantly contribute to Galactic diffuse emission above 100 TeV.

Abstract

Black hole X-ray binaries (BHXBs) are observed in various wavelengths from radio to GeV gamma-ray. Several BHXBs, including MAXI J1820+070 and Cygnus X-1, are also found to emit ultrahigh-energy (UHE; photon energy $>$100 TeV) gamma rays. The origin and production mechanism of the multi-wavelength emission of BHXBs are under debate. We propose a scenario where relativistic particles from magnetically arrested disks (MADs), which could form when BHXBs are in quiescent or hard states, produce UHE gamma rays, while electrons in the jets produce GeV gamma-ray emission. Specifically, magnetic turbulence in MADs heats up and accelerates electrons and protons, while magnetic reconnection in jets accelerates electrons. Sub-PeV gamma rays and neutrinos are produced when relativistic protons interact with the thermal protons and the radiation by thermal electrons in the disk. We discuss the perspectives of observing sub-PeV multi-messenger signals from individual BHXBs. Finally, we evaluate the integrated fluxes of the quiescent and hard-state BHXB population and find that BHXBs may contribute to the Galactic diffuse emission above $\sim 100$ TeV.