Quasi-periodic Oscillations in the X-Ray Light Curves from Relativistic Tori
Abstract
We use a relativistic ray-tracing code to analyze the X-ray emission from a pressure-supported oscillating relativistic torus around a black hole. We show that a strong correlation exists between the {\\it intrinsic} frequencies of the torus normal modes and the {\\it extrinsic} frequencies seen in the observed light curve power spectrum. This correlation demonstrates the feasibility of the oscillating-torus model to explain the multiple peaks seen in black hole high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations. Using an optically thin, monochromatic emission model, we also determine how a relativistically broadened emission line and the amplitude of the X-ray modulations are dependent on the observer's inclination angle and on the torus oscillation amplitudes. Observations of these features can provide important information about the torus as well as the black hole.