Radio ejection in the evolution of X-ray binaries: the bridge between low mass X-ray binaries and millisecond pulsars

Abstract

We present a scenario for the spin-up and evolution of binary millisecond pulsars. This can explain the observational properties of the recently discovered binary millisecond pulsar PSR J1740-5340, with orbital period 32.5 hrs, in the Globular Cluster NGC 6397. The optical counterpart of this system is a star as luminous as the cluster turnoff stars, but with a lower Teff (a larger radius) which we model with a star of initial mass compatible with the masses evolving in the cluster (~0.85 Msun). This star has suffered Roche lobe overflow while evolving off the main sequence, spinning up the neutron star to the present period of 3.65 ms. There are evidences that at present, Roche lobe overflow is still going on. Indeed Roche lobe deformation of the mass losing component is necessary to be compatible with the optical light curve. The presence of matter around the system is also consistent with the long lasting irregular radio eclipses seen in the system. We propose that this system is presently in a phase of `radio-ejection' mass loss. The radio-ejection phase can be initiated only if the system is subject to intermittency in the mass transfer during the spin-up phase. In fact, when the system is detached the pulsar radio emission is not quenched, and may be able to prevent further mass accretion due to the action of the pulsar pressure at the inner Lagrangian point.