Masaaki Sakano

The XMM-Newton serendipitous survey: V - The Second XMM-Newton serendipitous source catalogue

Aims. Pointed observations with XMM-Newton provide the basis for creating catalogues of X-ray sources detected serendipitously in each field. This paper describes the creation and characteristics of the 2XMM catalogue. Methods. The 2XMM catalogue has been compiled from a new processing of the XMM-Newton EPIC camera data. The main features of the processing pipeline are described in detail. Results. The catalogue, the largest ever made at X-ray wavelengths, contains 246 897 detections drawn from 3491 public XMM-Newton observations over a 7-year interval, which relate to 191 870 unique sources. The catalogue fields cover a sky area of more than 500 deg(2). The non-overlapping sky area is similar to 360 deg(2) (similar to 1% of the sky) as many regions of the sky are observed more than once by XMM-Newton. The catalogue probes a large sky area at the flux limit where the bulk of the objects that contribute to the X-ray background lie and provides a major resource for generating large, well-defined X-ray selected source samples, studying the X-ray source population and identifying rare object types. The main characteristics of the catalogue are presented, including its photometric and astrometric properties

Optical Identification of the ASCA Large Sky Survey

We present results of optical identification of the X-ray sources detected in the ASCA Large Sky Survey. Optical spectroscopic observations were done for 34 X-ray sources which were detected with the SIS in the 2-7 keV band above 3.5 sigma. The sources are identified with 30 AGNs, 2 clusters of galaxies, and 1 galactic star. Only 1 source is still unidentified. The flux limit of the sample corresponds to 1 x 10^{-13} erg s^{-1} cm^{-2} in the 2-10 keV band. Based on the sample, the paper discusses optical and X-ray spectral properties of the AGNs, contribution of the sources to the Cosmic X-ray Background, and redshift and luminosity distributions of the AGNs. An interesting result is that the redshift distribution of the AGNs suggests a deficiency of high-redshift (0.510^{44} erg s^{-1}) absorbed narrow-line AGNs (so called type 2 QSOs).We present results of optical identification of the X-ray sources detected in the ASCA Large Sky Survey. Optical spectroscopic observations were done for 34 X-ray sources that were detected with the SIS in the 2-7 keV band above 3.5 ?. The flux limit corresponds to ~1 ? 10-13 ergs cm-2 s-1 in the 2-10 keV band. The sources are identified with 30 active galactic nuclei (AGNs), two clusters of galaxies, and one Galactic star. Only one source is still unidentified. All of the X-ray sources that have a hard X-ray spectrum with an apparent photon index of smaller than 1 in the 0.7-10 keV band are identified with narrow-line or weak-broad-line AGNs at redshifts smaller than 0.5. This fact supports the idea that absorbed X-ray spectra of narrow-line and weak-broad-line AGNs make the cosmic X-ray background (CXB) spectrum harder in the hard X-ray band than that of a broad-line AGN, which is the main contributor in the soft X-ray band. Assuming their intrinsic spectra are same as a broad-line AGN (a power-law model with a photon index of 1.7), their X-ray spectra are fitted with hydrogen column densities of log NH(cm-2) = 22-23 at the objects redshift. On the other hand, X-ray spectra of the other AGNs are consistent with that of a nearby type 1 Seyfert galaxy. In the sample, four high-redshift luminous broad-line AGNs show a hard X-ray spectrum with an apparent photon index of 1.3 ? 0.3. The hardness may be explained by the reflection component of a type 1 Seyfert galaxy. The hard X-ray spectra may also be explained by absorption with log NH(cm-2) = 22-23 at the objects redshift, if we assume an intrinsic photon index of 1.7. The origin of the hardness is not clear yet. Based on the log N- log S relations of each population, contributions to the CXB in the 2-10 keV band are estimated to be 9% for less-absorbed AGNs (log NH(cm-2) < 22) including the four high-redshift broad-line AGNs with a hard X-ray spectrum, 4% for absorbed AGNs (22 < log NH(cm-2) < 23, without the four hard broad-line AGNs), and 1% for clusters of galaxies in the flux range from 3 ? 10-11 ergs cm-2 s-1 to 2 ? 10-13 ergs cm-2 s-1. If the four hard broad-line AGNs are included in the absorbed AGNs, the contribution of the absorbed AGNs to the CXB is estimated to be 6%. In optical spectra, there is no high-redshift luminous cousin of a narrow-line AGN in our sample. The redshift distribution of the absorbed AGNs is limited below z = 0.5 excluding the four hard broad-line AGNs, in contrast to the existence of 15 less-absorbed AGNs above z = 0.5. The redshift distribution of the absorbed AGNs suggests a deficiency of AGNs with column densities of log NH(cm-2) = 22-23 in the redshift range 0.5-2, or in the X-ray luminosity range larger than 1044 ergs s-1, or both. If the large column densities of the four hard broad-line AGNs are real, they could complement the deficiency of X-ray absorbed luminous high-redshift AGNs.

log N-log S Relations and Spectral Properties of Sources from the ASCA Large Sky Survey: Their Implications for the Origin of the Cosmic X-Ray Background (CXB)

We carried out the first wide-area unbiased survey with the ASCA satellite in the 0.7-10 keV band around a north Galactic-pole region covering a continuous area of 7 deg2 (Large Sky Survey; LSS). To make the best use of ASCAs capabilities, we developed a new source-detection method in which the complicated detector responses are fully taken into account. Applying this method to the entire LSS data independently in the total (0.7-7 keV), hard (2-10 keV), and soft (0.7-2 keV) bands, we detected 107 sources altogether, with sensitivity limits of 6 × 10-14 (0.7-7 keV), 1 × 10-13 (2-10 keV), and 2 × 10-14 ergs s-1 cm-2 (0.7-2 keV), respectively. A complete list of the detected sources is presented. Based on detailed studies by Monte Carlo simulations, we evaluated the effects of the source confusion and accurately derived the log N-log S relation in each survey band. The log N-log S relation in the hard band is located on the extrapolation from Ginga and HEAO1 results with a Euclidean slope of -3/2, while that in the soft band is consistent with the results from ROSAT. At these flux limits, 30% ± 3% of the CXB in the 0.7-7 keV band and 23% ± 3% in the 2-10 keV band have been resolved into discrete sources. The average spectrum of faint sources detected in the total band shows a photon index of 1.63 ± 0.07 in the 0.7-10 keV range, consistent with the comparison of source counts between the hard and soft energy bands. Those detected in the hard band show a photon index of 1.49 ± 0.10 in the 2-10 keV range. These spectral properties suggest that the contribution of sources with hard energy spectra becomes significant at a flux of 10-13 ergs s-1 cm-2 (2-10 keV). The most plausible candidates are type II active galactic nuclei, as indicated by on-going optical identifications.

The XMM-Newton serendipitous survey - VII. The third XMM-Newton serendipitous source catalogue

© ESO, 2016.Context. Thanks to the large collecting area (3 × ∼1500 cm2 at 1.5 keV) and wide field of view (30′ across in full field mode) of the X-ray cameras on board the European Space Agency X-ray observatory XMM-Newton, each individual pointing can result in the detection of up to several hundred X-ray sources, most of which are newly discovered objects. Since XMM-Newton has now been in orbit for more than 15 yr, hundreds of thousands of sources have been detected. Aims. Recently, many improvements in the XMM-Newton data reduction algorithms have been made. These include enhanced source characterisation and reduced spurious source detections, refined astrometric precision of sources, greater net sensitivity for source detection, and the extraction of spectra and time series for fainter sources, both with better signal-to-noise. Thanks to these enhancements, the quality of the catalogue products has been much improved over earlier catalogues. Furthermore, almost 50% more observations are in the public domain compared to 2XMMi-DR3, allowing the XMM-Newton Survey Science Centre to produce a much larger and better quality X-ray source catalogue. Methods. The XMM-Newton Survey Science Centre has developed a pipeline to reduce the XMM-Newton data automatically. Using the latest version of this pipeline, along with better calibration, a new version of the catalogue has been produced, using XMM-Newton X-ray observations made public on or before 2013 December 31. Manual screening of all of the X-ray detections ensures the highest data quality. This catalogue is known as 3XMM. Results. In the latest release of the 3XMM catalogue, 3XMM-DR5, there are 565 962 X-ray detections comprising 396 910 unique X-ray sources. Spectra and lightcurves are provided for the 133 000 brightest sources. For all detections, the positions on the sky, a measure of the quality of the detection, and an evaluation of the X-ray variability is provided, along with the fluxes and count rates in 7 X-ray energy bands, the total 0.2-12 keV band counts, and four hardness ratios. With the aim of identifying the detections, a cross correlation with 228 catalogues of sources detected in all wavebands is also provided for each X-ray detection. Conclusions. 3XMM-DR5 is the largest X-ray source catalogue ever produced. Thanks to the large array of data products associated with each detection and each source, it is an excellent resource for finding new and extreme objects.

ASCA X-Ray Source Catalog in the Galactic Center Region

The ASCA satellite made 107 pointing observations on a 5 × 5 deg2 region around the center of our Galaxy from 1993 to 1999. In the X-ray images of the 0.7-3 keV or 3-10 keV bands, we found 52 point sources and a dozen diffuse sources. All the point sources are uniformly fitted with an absorbed power-law model. For selected bright sources, Sgr A*, AX J1745.6-2901, A1742-294, SLX 1744-300, GRO J1744-28, SLX 1737-282, GRS 1734-292, AX J1749.2-2725, KS 1741-293, GRS 1741.9-2853, and an unusual flare source XTE J1739-302, we present further detailed spectral and timing analyses and discuss their nature. The dozen extended X-ray sources comprise radio supernova remnants, giant molecular clouds, and some new discoveries. Most show emission lines from either highly ionized atoms or low-ionized irons. The X-ray spectra were fitted with either a thin thermal or power-law model. This paper summarizes the results and provides the ASCA X-ray source catalog in the Galactic center region.

X-ray hiccups from Sagittarius A* observed by XMM-Newton - The second brightest flare and three moderate flares caught in half a day

Context. Our Galaxy hosts at its dynamical center Sgru2009A*, the closest supermassive black hole. Surprisingly, its luminosity is several orders of magnitude lower than the Eddington luminosity. However, the recent observations of occasional rapid X-ray flares from Sgru2009A* provide constraints on the accretion and radiation mechanisms at work close to its event horizon. Aims. Our aim is to investigate the flaring activity of Sgru2009A* and to constrain the physical properties of the X-ray flares. Methods. In Spring 2007, we observed Sgru2009A* with XMM-Newton with a total exposure of ~230xa0ks. We have performed timing and spectral analysis of the new X-ray flares detected during this campaign. To study the range of flare spectral properties, in a consistent manner, we have also reprocessed, using the same analysis procedure and the latest calibration, archived XMM-Newton data of previously reported rapid flares. The dust scattering was taken into account during the spectral fitting. We also used Chandra archived observations of the quiescent state of Sgru2009A* for comparison. Results. On Aprilxa04, 2007, we observed for the first time within a time interval of roughly half a day, an enhanced incidence rate of X-ray flaring, with a bright flare followed by three flares of more moderate amplitude. The former event represents the second brightest X-ray flare from Sgr A* on record with a peak amplitude of about 100xa0above the quiescent luminosity. This new bright flare exhibits similar light-curve shape (nearly symmetrical), duration (~3xa0ks) and spectral characteristics to the very bright flare observed in Octoberxa03, 2002 by XMM-Newton. The measured spectral parameters of the new bright flare, assuming an absorbed power law model taken into account dust scattering effect, are N H =

ASCA Observations of the Sagittarius B2 Cloud: An X-Ray Reflection Nebula

12.3^{+2.1}_{-1.8}times 10^{22}

OH (1720 MHz) masers and mixed-morphology supernova remnants

xa0cm -2 and Γ = 2.3 ± 0.3 calculated at the 90% confidence level. The spectral parameter fits of the sum of the three following moderate flares, while lower ( N H =

ASCA Discovery of Diffuse 6.4 keV Emission near the Sagittarius C Complex: A New X-Ray Reflection Nebula

8.8^{+4.4}_{-3.2} times 10^{22}

A population of faint galaxies that contribute to the cosmic X-ray background

xa0cm -2 and