Stellar-Mass Black Holes and their Progenitors

Authors :: Miller, J.
Uttley, P.
Nandra, K.
Barret, D.
Matt, G.
Paerels, F.
Mariano Mendez
Diaz-Trigo, M.
Cappi, M.
Kitamoto, S.
Nowak, M.
Wilms, J.
Rothschild, R.
Smith, R.
Weisskopf, M.
Terashima, Y.
Ueda, Y.
Astronomy
Source :: University of Groningen, ArXiv. Cornell University Press
Abstract: If a black hole has a low spin value, it must double its mass to reach a high spin parameter. Although this is easily accomplished through mergers or accretion in the case of supermassive black holes in galactic centers, it is impossible for stellar-mass black holes in X-ray binaries. Thus, the spin distribution of stellar-mass black holes is almost pristine, largely reflective of the angular momentum imparted at the time of their creation. This fact can help provide insights on two fundamental questions: What is the nature of the central engine in supernovae and gamma-ray bursts? and What was the spin distribution of the first black holes in the universe?<br />Comment: Astro 2010 Science White Paper