Timing analysis of the new black hole candidate MAXI J1803−298 with Insight–HXMT and NICER

ABSTRACT We present the timing analysis results of MAXI J1803−298, a black hole candidate, during its 2021 outburst using data obtained from the Insight–Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight–HXMT) and the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER). Our analysis reveals that the source undergoes a state transition from the low hard state to the hard intermediate state, followed by the soft intermediate state, ultimately reaching the high soft state. We searched for the quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) and studied the characteristics of the outburst. At the beginning of the outburst, the source was in the hard state, many type-C QPOs were seen in the Insight–HXMT data, and the frequency of these QPOs increased from ∼0.16 to 2.6 Hz. Our analysis of the rms–frequency relationship of the type-C QPOs indicates a turning point in the frequency. We also analysed the phase lag versus frequency and energy relationship and deduced that the source likely has a high inclination angle, consistent with previous research. The observed rms and phase-lag features in type-C QPOs could be explained by the Lense–Thirring precession model, although alternatives would be still viable. The lag spectrum of type-B QPOs exhibits a U-shaped pattern similar to that of many other sources, and the type-B QPOs’ rms increases as the energy increases. This phenomenon can be explained by the dual-corona model.