Abstract
Using a new technique to improve the sensitivity to weak quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs), we discovered a new QPO peak at about 1100 Hz in the March 1996 outburst observations of 4U 1608-52, simultaneous with the ∼600-900 Hz peak previously reported from these data. The frequency separation between the upper and the lower QPO peaks varied significantly from 232.7 ± 11.5 Hz on March 3 to 293.1 ± 6.6 Hz on March 6. This is the first case of a variable kilohertz peak separation in an atoll source. We discuss to what extent this result could be accommodated in beat-frequency models such as proposed for the kilohertz QPOs. We measured the rms fractional amplitude of both QPOs as a function of energy, and we found that the relation is steeper for the lower than for the upper frequency peak. This is the first source where such a difference between the energy spectrum of the two kilohertz QPOs could be measured.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | L65-L69 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 494 |
Issue number | 1 PART II |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Accretion, accretion disks
- Stars: individual (4U 1608-52)
- Stars: neutron
- X-rays: stars
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science