A non-linear resonance model for the black hole and neutron star QPOs: theory supported by observations

Kilohertz Quasi-Periodic Oscillations (QPOs) have been detected in many accreting X-ray binaries. It has been suggested that the highest QPO frequencies observed in the modulation of the X-ray flux reflect a non-linear resonance between two modes of accreting disk oscillation. This hypothesis implies certain very general predictions, several of which have been borne out by observations. Some of these follow from properties of non-linear oscillators, while the others are specific to oscillations of fluid in strong gravity. A 3:2 resonant ratio of frequencies can be clearly recognized in the black-hole as well as in the neutron-star QPO data.