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High resolution X-ray spectroscopy of massive stars

Posted on:2007-03-29Degree:Ph.DType:Thesis
University:Columbia UniversityCandidate:Leutenegger, Maurice AndrewFull Text:PDF
GTID:2448390005969629Subject:Physics
Abstract/Summary:
This thesis presents studies of high-resolution X-ray spectra of massive stars. Diffraction grating spectrometers onboard the XMM- Newton and Chandra satellite X-ray observatories have revolutionized our understanding of X-ray emission from massive stars, allowing the resolution of individual spectral lines and the study of their Doppler profiles. I discuss the use of line strengths and ratios to constrain temperature distributions, elemental abundances, and distribution of X-ray emitting plasma near a star. I also discuss the interpretation of Doppler profiles in light of their unexpected lack of asymmetry.
Keywords/Search Tags:X-ray, Massive
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