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A Sample of Long-period Binaries with Dormant Compact-object Candidates from LAMOST DR13 MRS and Gaia DR3

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Identifying dormant compact objects in noninteracting binaries is crucial for constraining the hidden population of stellar remnants. We present a systematic search for long-period compact-object candidates by combining Gaia DR3 astrometry with multiepoch LAMOST DR13 medium-resolution spectroscopy. Starting from sources with elevated RUWE values, we required at least five LAMOST spectroscopic epochs and peak-to-peak radial velocity (RV) variations exceeding 20 km s −1 . After RV extraction, orbital fitting, and subsequent screening, we obtained Bayesian Keplerian orbital solutions for 19 long-period single-lined binary candidates, with periods spanning approximately 30–1500 days. Multiwavelength spectral energy distribution fitting was used to constrain the visible stars and evaluate the expected luminosities of unseen companions under a main-sequence assumption. Two systems are identified as the highest-priority compact-object candidates in our sample, each with a minimum companion mass exceeding 1 M ⊙ . Their spectra and optical-to-infrared photometry show no detectable secondary-light contribution, although such a contribution would be expected if the unseen companions were normal main-sequence stars. These systems therefore represent the strongest compact-object candidates in our sample, although further observations are required to distinguish massive white dwarfs or neutron stars from faint stellar companions or unresolved hierarchical systems. We also identify five intermediate-priority and 12 lower-priority systems for follow-up spectroscopy, ultraviolet imaging, and future astrometric constraints.
DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/aeaa3a
Institution: Xiamen University
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,499
OpenAlex ID: W7214631193
FWCI:
Cites: 35
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Related to: 10