Starburst and reflection-dominated AGN contributions to the diffuse X-ray background

P. M. Ricker, P. Mészáros

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Massive X-ray binaries (MXB) in starburst galaxies and reflection-dominated AGN have been proposed as models of the cosmic X-ray background (CXB). We calculate the CXB spectrum to be expected from an evolving population of MXB in starburst galaxies and find that starbursts cannot produce much of the background at low energies (≲30 keV) without significant evolution. We find their contribution at higher energies to be negligible, even with strong evolution. We also investigate the consistency of the MXB and AGN models. If MXB in starburst galaxies do produce much of the low-energy CXB, some other type of source must be responsible for the high-energy background. If reflecting AGN are this other type of source, up to 92% of their emission must be reprocessed. Even without a starburst contribution, the AGN spectrum must still be about 85% reprocessed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCompton Gamma-Ray Observatory
EditorsNeil Gehrels, Michael W. Friedlander, Daryl J. Macomb
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
Pages593-597
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)1563961040
DOIs
StatePublished - 1993
EventCompton Symposium - St. Louis, United States
Duration: Oct 15 1992Oct 17 1992

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume280
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

ConferenceCompton Symposium
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySt. Louis
Period10/15/9210/17/92

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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