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The X-ray Structure and Spectrum of the Pulsar Wind Nebula Surrounding PSR B1853+01 in W44

R. Petre·K. D. Kuntz·R. L. Shelton
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Abstract

We present the result of a Chandra ACIS observation of the pulsar PSR B1853+01 and its associated pulsar wind nebula (PWN), embedded within the supernova remnant W44. A hard band ACIS map cleanly distinguishes the PWN from the thermal emission of W44. The nebula is extended in the north-south direction, with an extent about half that of the radio emission. Morphological differences between the X-ray and radio images are apparent. Spectral fitting reveals a clear difference in spectral index between the hard emission from PSR B1853+01 (Gamma ~ 1.4) and the extended nebula (Gamma ~ 2.2). The more accurate values for the X-ray flux and spectral index are used refine estimates for PWN parameters, including magnetic field strength, the average Lorentz factor, gamma, of the particles in the wind, the magnetization parameter, sigma, and the ratio k of electrons to other particles.

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R. Petre, K. D. Kuntz, R. L. Shelton. 2002-07-03. The X-ray Structure and Spectrum of the Pulsar Wind Nebula Surrounding PSR B1853+01 in W44. https://doi.org/10.1086/342672

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