Holonomy invariance, orbital resonances, and kilohertz QPOs

TL;DR

This paper explores how holonomy invariance and orbital resonances in strong gravity could explain the observed kilohertz QPOs in X-ray emissions from black holes and neutron stars, suggesting a quantum-like orbital structure.

Contribution

It introduces a new example of orbit quantization linked to holonomy invariance, connecting classical gravity effects with astrophysical observations.

Findings

Orbital resonances and holonomy invariance can produce quantized orbital structures.

These structures may explain kilohertz QPOs observed in X-ray emissions.

The effect is significant in strong gravity environments like black holes and neutron stars.

Abstract

Quantized orbital structures are typical for many aspects of classical gravity (Newton's as well as Einstein's). The astronomical phenomenon of orbital resonances is a well-known example. Recently, Rothman, Ellis and Murugan (2001) discussed quantized orbital structures in the novel context of a holonomy invariance of parallel transport in Schwarzschild geometry. We present here yet another example of quantization of orbits, reflecting both orbital resonances and holonomy invariance. This strong-gravity effect may already have been directly observed as the puzzling kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in the X-ray emission from a few accreting galactic black holes and several neutron stars.