Spectral-Timing Evolution of a Black hole X-ray binary Swift J1727.8-1613: Linking Disk Reflection and Type-C QPO Frequency During the 2023 Outburst
Abstract: We present a comprehensive spectral-timing analysis of a BHXB Swift J1727.81613 during its 2023 outburst, using five pointed \textit{NuSTAR} observations sampling the luminous hard-intermediate state. Broadband 3-79 keV spectroscopy employs a physically motivated model combining a cool truncated disk (\texttt{diskbb}), relativistic reflection (\texttt{relxill} in reflection-only mode), and Comptonized continuum (\texttt{nthComp}) to probe the inner accretion geometry around a rapidly spinning black hole () at moderate inclination. Simultaneous timing analysis reveals type-C quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) with novel coherence evolution: the quality factor () exhibits a striking non-monotonic dependence on both QPO frequency and luminosity, peaking near ~Hz and declining at both lower and higher frequencies. This turnover directly constrains Lense-Thirring precession geometry, implying optimal coherence at intermediate truncation radius. A tight photon-index-QPO-frequency correlation demonstrates that spectral softening and frequency rise are concurrent signatures of inward truncation-radius motion. The triadic luminosity evolution-rising disk and Compton, declining reflection-traces precession-driven geometry changes and corona beaming effects. Interpreting disk-normalization variability as apparent-area changes rather than physical radius swings provides new insight into disk-corona boundary layers. These quantitative results provide strong evidence for global Lense-Thirring precession regulation of both timing and spectral properties, establishing Swift J1727.81613 as a benchmark source for understanding accretion-geometry physics during black hole state transitions.
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