Understanding the X-ray luminosity function of high mass X-ray binaries

Abstract

High mass X-ray binary luminosity function (XLF) is an important tool for studying binary evolution processes and also the mass loss and consequent evolution in massive stars. We calculate the XLF for neutron star binaries using the standard scenario for formation and evolution of these systems. A one to one relation between primordial binary parameters and the HMXB parameters is established. The probability density function is then transformed using the standard Jacobian formalism. It is shown that the model successfully explains some basic properties of the observed XLF.