ALMA observations of compact X-ray binaries

Albert Kong

(National Tsing Hua University)

 

X-ray binaries are accreting binary systems consisting of a compact object such as a neutron star or a black hole and a stellar companion. X-ray binaries are usually bright in high-energies because of accretion. Some systems are known to have relativistic jets that play a crucial role in the accretion process. Jet emission of X-ray binaries are expected to be flat or inverted from radio to submm and possibly to infrared depending on the jet model. Although submm observations of X-ray binaries are quite rare, some systems have been observed with ALMA. In this project, you will explore archival ALMA data to conduct the first systematic study of X-ray binaries using ALMA. The applicant has to be highly motivated and independent, and is expected to work in multi-wavelength observations.