Honghui LIU, IAAT — December 2, 2024

Abstract: Accretion onto black holes is a fundamental process in the Universe. It is an efficient engine to produce strong radiation and energetic outflows. The X-rays from these systems serve as a powerful tool to study the accretion physics and the central black hole. In this talk, I will discuss how we can use the X-ray reflection component, namely the reprocessed emission by the optically thick accretion disk, to measure black hole spins, understand the evolution of the accretion geometry during outbursts and study the microphysics of the accretion flow. Outflows driven by the accretion process will also be briefly discussed. In the end, I will discuss open questions in the field and outline future research lines.