X-RAY SPECTRAL STATE EVOLUTION IN IGR?J17091–3624 AND COMPARISON OF ITS HEARTBEAT OSCILLATION PROPERTIES WITH THOSE OF GRS 1915+105

摘要

In this work, we study the X-ray timing and spectral evolution of the transient low-mass X-ray binary IGR?J17091–3624 during the first 66?days of its 2011 outburst. We present results obtained from observations with two instruments, the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer Proportional Counter Array and SWIFT X-Ray Telescope, between 2011 February 9 and 2011 April 15. Using quasi-periodic oscillation classifications, power density spectrum characteristics, time-lag behavior, and energy spectral properties, we determine source states and their transitions at different times of the outburst. During the first part of the evolution, the source followed trends that are usually observed from transient black hole X-ray binaries (BHXBs). Interestingly, a gradual transition is observed in IGR?J17091–3624 from the low-variability soft intermediate state, commonly seen in BHXBs, to a high-variability state with regular, repetitive, and structured pulsations, seen only from GRS 1915+105 (also known as "ρ" class variability/"heartbeat" oscillations). We study the time evolution of the characteristic timescale, quality factor, and rms amplitude of heartbeat oscillations in IGR?J17091–3624. We also present a detailed comparison of the timing and spectral properties of heartbeat oscillations and their evolution in IGR?J17091–3624 and GRS 1915+105.