Discovery and identification of infrared counterpart candidates of four Galactic centre low mass X-ray binaries

• Published in: Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin) 2011-09, Vol.533, p.A3
• Main Authors: Curran, P. A., Chaty, S., Zurita Heras, J. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Astronomy; Astrophysics; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; infrared: stars; Sciences of the Universe; X-rays: binaries; X-rays: individuals: GX 9+1; X-rays: individuals: IGR J17379 − 3747; X-rays: individuals: IGR J17585−3057; X-rays: individuals: XTE J1637−498
• ISSN: 0004-6361; 1432-0746; 1432-0756
• DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201117208

Context. The near infrared (nIR)/optical counterparts of low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) are often observationally dim and reside in high source density fields which make their identification problematic; however, without such a counterpart identification we are unable to investigate many of the properties of LMXB systems. Aims. Here, in the context of a larger identification campaign, we examine the fields of four LMXB systems near the Galactic centre, in a bid to identify nIR/optical counterparts to the previously detected X-ray point sources. Methods. We obtain nIR/optical images of the fields with the ESO – New Technology Telescope and apply standard photometric and astrometric calibrations; these data are supplemented by Spitzer-GLIMPSE catalog data. Results. On the basis of positional coincidence with the arcsecond accurate X-ray positions, we identify unambiguous counterpart candidates for XTE J1637−498, IGR J17379−3747, IGR J17585−3057 and GX 9+1. Conclusions. We propose tentative nIR counterparts of four LMXBs which require further investigation to confirm their associations to the X-ray sources.