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Two pulsar types

Journal Article · · Sov. Astron. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)
OSTI ID:5240435
Several arguments support the classification of pulsars as either (1) short-period, described by the Smith model with the radio emission generated near the light cylinder, or (2) long-period, conforming to the hollow-cone model, the radio waves being emitted fairly close to the neutron star surface: a) the pulse width and the overall change in the polarization angle psi along the average pulse profile depend differently on period P for the two pulsar types; b) only pulsars of the first type show an interpulse; c) the rms deviations in the pulse arrival times and the radio beam patterns differ; d) the two types may have distinct spindown mechanisms. Data for the new PSR 1937+21 (P = 1.56 msec), a typical representative of the first group, are compatible with this concept. A possible scheme of pulsar origin and evolution is outlined.
Research Organization:
P. N. Lebedev Physics Institute, USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow
OSTI ID:
5240435
Journal Information:
Sov. Astron. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Sov. Astron. (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 29:2; ISSN SAAJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English