Abundances of X-ray binary outflows: a clue to the Supernova explosion that preceded the black hole

X-ray binaries (XRBs) have been studied for many years, but there are still open questions regarding different stages in their evolution, and the role of accretion and outflow states. It is postulated that a black hole in these systems is a remnant of a supernova (SN) explosion, but there are limited observations and measurements revealing this connection. Using X-ray spectra of XRB outflows – GRO J1655-40, GRS 1915+105 and GX 13+1 - and a unique analysis method we are able to construct an absorption measure distribution and measure the abundances of the elements in the outflow. The abundance measurements can hint at the progenitor of the system and point toward the correct SN model describing the explosion. This method was carried out, among others, on the exceptional HETG spectrum of the outflow of the transient stellar black hole GRO J1655-40 during its 2005 outburst. We are able to measure the abundances of seventeen different elements, the most measured in X-ray observations. Comparing these measurements with those of the companion taken from optical observations reveals there is a complicated gas dynamics to consider after the SN explosion.