arXiv subjects

A. Jessner

Publications and source records attributed to A. Jessner.

53 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2005

Polarization characteristics of the Crab pulsar's giant radio pulses at HFCs phases

We discuss our recent discovery of the giant radio emission from the Crab pulsar at its high frequency components (HFCs) phases and show the polarization characteristic of these pulses. This leads us to a suggestion that there is no difference in the emission mechanism of the main pulse (MP), interpulse (IP) and HFCs. We briefly review the size distributions of the Crab giant radio pulses (GRPs) and discuss general characteristics of the GRP phenomenon in the Crab and other pulsars.

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arXiv2005

Giant Radio Pulses from the Crab Pulsar

Individual giant radio pulses (GRPs) from the Crab pulsar last only a few microseconds. However, during that time they rank among the brightest objects in the radio sky reaching peak flux densities of up to 1500 Jy even at high radio frequencies. Our observations show that GRPs can be found in all phases of ordinary radio emission including the two high frequency components (HFCs) visible only between 5 and 9 GHz (Moffett & Hankins, 1996). This leads us to believe that there is no difference in the emission mechanism of the main pulse (MP), inter pulse (IP) and HFCs. High resolution dynamic spectra from our recent observations of giant pulses with the Effelsberg telescope at a center frequency of 8.35 GHz show distinct spectral maxima within our observational bandwidth of 500 MHz for individual pulses. Their narrow band components appear to be brighter at higher frequencies (8.6 GHz) than at lower ones (8.1 GHz). Moreover, there is an evidence for spectral evolution within and between those structures. High frequency features occur earlier than low frequency ones. Strong plasma turbulence might be a feasible mechanism for the creation of the high energy densities of ~6.7 x 10^4 erg cm^-3 and brightness temperatures of 10^31 K.

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arXiv2004

Pulsar Physics at Low Frequencies

Recent work has made it clear that the ``standard model'' of pulsar radio emission cannot be the full answer. Some fundamental assumptions about the magnetic field and plasma flow in the radio-loud region have been called into question by recent observational and theoretical work, but the solutions to the problems posed are far from clear. It is time to formulate and carry out new observational campaigns designed to address these problems; sensitive low-frequency observations will an important part of such a campaign. Because pulsars are strong at low frequencies, we believe there will be a good number of candidates even for high-time-resolution single pulse work, as well as mean profile and integrated spectrum measurements. Such data can push the envelope of current models, test competing theories of the radio loud region, and possibly provide direct measures of the state of the emitting plasma.

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arXiv2004

The Parallax, Mass and Age of the PSR J2145-0750 binary system

We present results of timing measurements of the binary millisecond pulsar PSR J2145-0750. Combining timing data obtained with the Effelsberg and Lovell radio telescopes we measure a significant timing parallax of 2.0(6) mas placing the system at 500 pc distance to the solar system. The detected secular change of the projected semi-major axis of the orbit $\dot x=1.8(6)\times 10^{-14}$ lt-s s$^{-1}$, where $x=(a_{\rm p}\sin i)/c$, is caused by the proper motion of the system. With this measurement we can constrain the orbital inclination angle to $i<61\degr$, with a median likelihood value of $46\degr$ which is consistent with results from polarimetric studies of the pulsar magnetosphere. This constraint together with the non-detection of Shapiro delay rules out certain combinations of the companion mass, $m_2$, and the inclination, $i$. For typical neutron star masses and using optical observations of the carbon/oxygen-core white dwarf we derive a mass range for the companion of $0.7 M_\odot\leq m_2\leq 1.0 M_\odot$. We apply evolutionary white dwarf cooling models to revisit the cooling age of the companion. Our analysis reveals that the companion has an effective temperature of $T_{\rm eff}=5750\pm600$ K and a cooling age of $τ_{\rm cool}=3.6(2)$ Gyr, which is roughly a factor of three lower than the pulsar's characteristic age of 10.4 Gyr. The cooling age implies an initial spin period of $P_0=13.0(5)$ ms, which is very close to the current period.

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arXiv2002

A current circuit model of pulsar radio emission

We present the outline of a new model for the coherent radio emission of pulsars that succeeds in reproducing the energetics and brightness temperatures of the observed radio emission from the observationally deduced distances of 50-100 pulsar radii above the neutron star in a narrow region. The restrictions imposed by energy conservation, plasma dynamics of the coherent radiation process and propagation effects are used to apply the action of a plasma process like coherent inverse Compton scattering (CICS) (see Benford, 1992). In accordance with our findings (Kunzl et al. 1998a) this process requires Lorentz factors of about 10 which are lower than in most other radio emission models. This implies that no significant pair production can take place near the surface and we expect charge densities close to the Goldreich-Julian value (Goldreich & Julian (1969)). To fulfill the energetic and electrodynamic constraints the model requires constant re-acceleration in dissipation regions which can be interpreted as a voltage drop similar to that in a resistive current circuit built of a battery, connecting copper wires and a resistive load. Using the emission heights for PSR 0329+54 published by Mitra and Rankin (2002) and the spectral data from Malofeev et al. (1994) we find that a constant depth of the dissipation region of about 2 r_NS can account for the observed luminosities and spectral behavior. The extremely high peak fluxes in the substructures of single pulses can be explained by beaming effects as discussed in Kunzl et al. (1998b).

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arXiv2002

Natural Limits for Currents in Charge Separated Pulsar Magnetospheres

Rough estimates and upper limits on current and particle densities form the basis of most of the canonical pulsar models. Whereas the surface of the rotating neutron star is capable of supplying sufficient charges to provide a current that, given the polar cap potential, could easily fuel the observed energy loss processes, observational and theoretical constraints provide strict upper limits to the charge densities. The space charge of a current consisting solely of particles having only one sign creates a compensating potential that will make the maximum current dependent on potential and distance. In the non-relativistic case this fact is expressed in the familiar Child-Langmuir law. Its relativistic generalization and subsequent application to the inner pulsar magnetosphere provides clear limits on the strength and radial extension of charged currents originating on the polar cap. Violent Pierce-type oscillations set in, if one attempts to inject more current than the space charge limit into a given volume. These considerations apply wherever there is a significant amount of charged current flow, in particular in the gap regions. There they can be used to derive limits on the size of such gaps and their stability.

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arXiv2001

Orbital variability of the PSR J2051-0827 Binary System

We have carried out high-precision timing measurements of the binary millisecond pulsar PSR J2051$-$0827 with the Effelsberg 100-m radio telescope of the Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie and with the Lovell 76-m radio telescope at Jodrell Bank. The 6.5-yrs radio timing measurements have revealed a significant secular variation of the projected semi-major axis of the pulsar at a rate of $\dot x\equiv d(a_{\rm 1} \sin i)/dt = (-0.23\pm 0.03)\times 10^{-12}$, which is probably caused by the Newtonian spin-orbit coupling in this binary system leading to a precession of the orbital plane. The required misalignment of the spin and orbital angular momenta of the companion are evidence for an asymmetric supernova explosion. We have also confirmed that the orbital period is currently decreasing at a rate of $\dot P_{\rm b}=(-15.5 \pm 0.8)\times 10^{-12}$s s$^{-1}$ and have measured second and third orbital period derivatives $d^2P_{\rm b}/dt^2=(+2.1 \pm 0.3)\times 10^{-20} {\rm s^{-1}}$ and $d^3P_{\rm b}/dt^3 =(3.6 \pm 0.6)\times 10^{-28} {\rm s^{-2}}$, which indicate a quasi-cyclic orbital period variation similar to those found in another eclipsing pulsar system, PSR B1957+20. The observed variation of the orbital parameters constrains the maximal value of the companion radius to $R_{\rm c max} \sim 0.06 R_{\odot}$ and implies that the companion is underfilling its Roche lobe by 50 %. The derived variation in the quadrupole moment of the companion is probably caused by tidal dissipation similar to the mechanism proposed for PSR B1957+20. We conclude that the companion is at least partially non-degenerate, convective and magnetically active.

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arXiv2001

Simultaneous single-pulse observations of radio pulsars: I. The polarization characteristics of PSR B0329+54

We present the first results from a programme of multi-frequency simultaneous single pulse observations carried out as part of the European Pulsar Network. We detail the main data analysis methods and apply them to simultaneous observations of the strong pulsar B0329+54 at 1.4 and 2.7 GHz using the Jodrell Bank and Effelsberg radio telescopes respectively. The pulses at different frequencies are highly correlated in their total intensity, as seen in previous experiments, and generally show consistent position angles of the linearly polarized component. In contrast, the circularly polarized emission sometimes shows clear differences between pulses received at different frequencies. These results are unexpected and warrant further follow-up studies to interpret them in the context of the intrinsic bandwidth of pulsar radiation.

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arXiv2001

Microwave plasma emission of a flare on AD Leo

An intense radio flare on the dMe star AD Leo, observed with the Effelsberg radio telescope and spectrally resolved in a band of 480 MHz centred at 4.85 GHz is analysed. A lower limit of the brightness temperature of the totally right handed polarized emission is estimated as T_b ~ 5x10^10 K (with values T_b > ~3x10^13 K considered to be more probable), which requires a coherent radio emission process. In the interpretation we favour fundamental plasma radiation by mildly relativistic electrons trapped in a hot and dense coronal loop above electron cyclotron maser emission. This leads to densities and magnetic field strengths in the radio source of n ~ 2x10^11 cm^-3 and B ~ 800 G. Quasi-periodic pulsations during the decay phase of the event suggest a loop radius of r ~ 7x10^8 cm. A filamentary corona is implied in which the dense radio source is embedded in hot thin plasma with temperature T >= 2x10^7 K and density n_ext <= 10^-2 n. Runaway acceleration by sub-Dreicer electric fields in a magnetic loop is found to supply a sufficient number of energetic electrons.

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arXiv2000

Charge densities above pulsar polar caps

The ability of the neutron star surface to supply all or only part of the charges filling the pulsar magnetosphere is crucial for the physics prevailing within it, with direct consequences for the possible formation of pair creation regions. We evaluate the conditions for $e^-$ emission from pulsar surfaces for a simple Goldreich-Julian geometry taking both thermal and field emission processes into account. Using recently published estimates for the equation of state at the neutron star's surface, we show, that for a large range of $T_{\rm surf}, B$ and $P$, the liberated charges will fully screen the accelerating B-parallel electric field ${\rm E_\|}$. For surface temperatures $T_{\rm surf}<2\cdot 10^5 $K a balance between field emission of electrons and shielding of the field will occur. Even in the overidealised case of $T_{\rm surf}=0$ one can expect a prodigious supply of electrons which will weaken the accelerating ${\rm E_\|}$. We calculated the motion of electrons along selected polar field lines numerically for the low temperature, field emission scenario yielding their Lorentz factors as well as the produced radiation densities. Inverse Compton and later curvature losses are seen to balance the acceleration by the residual electric fields. We found that the conditions for magnetic pair production are not met anywhere along the field lines up to a height of 1500 pulsar radii. We did not {\it a priori} assume an "inner gap", and our calculations did not indicate the formation of one under realistic physical conditions without the introduction of further assumptions.

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arXiv2000

A 1400-MHz pilot search for young pulsars

We have used the Effelsberg 100-m radio telescope to conduct a 1400-MHz ($λ$ 21-cm) search for young and rapidly rotating radio pulsars along a 2 deg$^2$ strip of the northern Galactic plane defined by $28^{\circ} \leq l \leq 30^{\circ}$ and $|b|\leq0.5^{\circ}$. This region lies close to the Scutum spiral arm which is already known to contain a number of radio and X-ray pulsars. The search was nominally sensitive to pulsars with 1400-MHz flux densities above 0.3 mJy; this represents a threefold improvement in sensitivity over all previous searches of this region of the Galaxy. Four new long-period pulsars were discovered as a result of this survey. All three previously known pulsars in this region were also detected. The four new pulsars are relatively young ($<$ 0.5 Myr), weak ($<1$ mJy) sources with dispersion measures in the range 180--910 cm$^{-3}$ pc. None of the newly-discovered pulsars are associated with catalogued supernova remnants.

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arXiv2000

The Effelsberg Search for Pulsars in the Galactic Centre

We report the status of a search for pulsars in the Galactic Centre, using a completely revised and improved high-sensitivity double-horn system at 4.85-GHz. We also present calculations about the success rate of periodicity searches for such a survey, showing that in contrast to conclusions in recent literature pulsars can be indeed detected at the chosen search frequency.

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arXiv1999

The characteristics of millisecond pulsar emission: III.From low to high frequencies

In this paper we present the first observations of a large sample of millisecond pulsars at frequencies of 2.7 GHz and 4.9 GHz. Our new flux measurements extend the known spectra for millisecond pulsars to the highest frequencies to date. The coverage of more than a decade of radio spectrum allows us for the first time to search for spectral breaks as so often observed for normal pulsars around 1 GHz. We align the observed millisecond pulsar profiles with data from lower frequencies. Deviations from a dipolar magnetic field structure are not evident and absolute timing across the wide frequency range with a single dispersion measure is possible. We seem to observe mainly unfilled emission beams, which must originate from a very compact region. A compact emission region is also suggested by a remarkably constant profile width or component separation over a very wide frequency range. For a few sources, polarization data at 2.7 and 4.9 GHz could also be obtained which indicate that millisecond pulsars are weakly polarized or even unpolarized at frequencies above 3 GHz. The simultaneous decrease in degree of polarization and the constant profile width thus question proposals which link de-polarization and decreasing profile width for normal pulsars to the same propagation effect (i.e. birefringence). Comparing the properties of core and conal like profile components to those of normal pulsars, we find less significant patterns in their spectral evolution for the population of millisecond pulsars. Hence, we suggest that core and conal emission may be created by the same emission process. In general, MSP emission properties tend to resemble those of normal pulsars only shifted towards higher frequencies.

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arXiv1998

On the Possibility of Curvature Radiation from Radio Pulsars

We consider the widespread hypothesis that coherent curvature radiation is responsible for the radio emission of pulsars. The comparison of energy conservation and the published data and luminosities explicitely proves that coherent curvature radiation cannot be the source for the radio emission of pulsars for frequencies below a few GHz. At higher frequencies coherent curvature radiation can be ruled out because neither the observationally deduced emission heights nor the observed radius to frequency mapping can be reproduced by this mechanism. Our argumentation is in accordance with the more general critics (e.g. Melrose 1992) that no adequate bunching mechanism has been identified for coherent curvature radiation. We present 5 examples (0329+29, 0355+54, 0540+23, 1133+16, 1916+10) of pulsars whose high frequency (larger than 1.4. GHz, up to 32 GHz) luminosities are well known, and as a low frequency example the faintest radio pulsar 0655+64 of the Taylor et al (1993) sample.

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arXiv1998

The characteristics of millisecond pulsar emission: I. Spectra, pulse shapes and the beaming fraction

We have monitored a large sample of millisecond pulsars using the 100-m Effelsberg radio telescope in order to compare their radio emission properties to the slowly rotating population. With some notable exceptions, our findings suggest that the two groups of objects share many common properties. A comparison of the spectral indices between samples of normal and millisecond pulsars demonstrates that millisecond pulsar spectra are not significantly different from those of normal pulsars. There is evidence, however, that millisecond pulsars are slightly less luminous and less efficient radio emitters compared to normal pulsars. We confirm recent suggestions that a diversity exists among the luminosities of millisecond pulsars with the isolated millisecond pulsars being less luminous than the binary millisecond pulsars. There are indications that old millisecond pulsars exhibit somewhat flatter spectra than the presumably younger ones. We present evidence that millisecond pulsar profiles are only marginally more complex than those found among the normal pulsar population. Moreover, the development of the profiles with frequency is rather slow, suggesting very compact magnetospheres. The profile development seems to anti-correlate with the companion mass and the spin period, again suggesting that the amount of mass transfer in a binary system might directly influence the emission properties. The angular radius of radio beams of millisecond pulsars does not follow the scaling predicted from a canonical pulsar model which is applicable for normal pulsars. Instead they are systematically smaller. The smaller inferred luminosity and narrower emission beams will need to be considered in future calculations of the birth-rate of the Galactic population.

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arXiv1998

The characteristics of millisecond pulsar emission: II. Polarimetry

We have made polarimetric monitoring observations of millisecond pulsars visible from the northern hemisphere at 1410 MHz. Their emission properties are compared with those of normal pulsars. Although we demonstrated in paper I that millisecond pulsars exhibit the same flux density spectra and similar profile complexity, our results presented here suggest that millisecond pulsar profiles do not comply with the predictions of classification schemes based on ``normal'' pulsars. The frequency development of a large number of millisecond pulsar profiles is abnormal when compared with the development seen for normal pulsars. Moreover, the polarization characteristics suggest that millisecond-pulsar magnetospheres might not simply represent scaled versions of the magnetospheres of normal pulsars, supporting results of paper I. However, phenomena such as mode-changing activity in both intensity and polarization are recognized here for the first time (e.g., J1730--2304). This suggests that while the basic emission mechanism remains insensitive to rotational period, the conditions that, according to the canonical pulsar model, regulate the radio emission, might be satisfied at different regions in millisecond pulsar magnetospheres. At least three types of model have been proposed to describe the millisecond pulsar magnetospheres. A comparison of the predictions of these models with the observations suggests that individual cases are better explained by different processes. However, we show that millisecond pulsars can be grouped according to common emission properties, a grouping that awaits verification from future multifrequency observations.

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arXiv1998

A flexible format for exchanging pulsar data

We describe a data format currently in use amongst European institutions for exchanging and archiving pulsar data. The format is designed to be as flexible as possible with regard to present and future compatibility with different operating systems. One application of the common format is simultaneous multi-frequency observations of single pulses. A data archive containing over 2500 pulse profiles stored in this format is now available via the Internet (see http://www.mpifr-bonn.mpg.de/pulsar/data), together with a small suite of computer programs that can read, write and display the data.

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