arXiv subjects

J. P. Yuan

Publications and source records attributed to J. P. Yuan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Scintillation of the first-known pulsar planetary system

We present a scintillation study of the first-known pulsar planetary system, PSR~B1257+12, using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). A total of 31 observations with durations greater than or equal to 30 minutes were analyzed. For 14 longer observations (greater than or equal to 120 minutes), one-dimensional autocorrelation function analyses yielded the scintillation timescale, scintillation bandwidth, and frequency-drift rate for 12 epochs. Two observations show strong periodic modulation in the frequency-domain auto-correlation function, likely caused by astronomical-unit-scale structures along the propagation path, preventing reliable measurements of the scintillation timescale and bandwidth. In three observations, secondary spectra reveal simultaneous detections of inner, middle, and outer arcs. Analysis of the annual modulation of the inner-arc curvature indicates isotropic scattering, with a screen distance of $233\pm28$~pc and transverse velocity $V_{\rm scr,α}=-7.16\pm2.16$ km~s$^{-1}$, $V_{\rm scr,δ}=-41.07\pm5.69$ km~s$^{-1}$. Delay-profile analysis for both the inner and outer arcs suggest spectral exponents consistent with, or smaller than, the Kolmogorov value. Under isotropic scattering, the screen--pulsar distances are $354\pm22$~pc and $166\pm12$~pc for the middle and outer arcs. Combining the results from long-term timing analyses with our scintillation measurements, we find that the dispersion measure (DM) variations are primarily dominated by plasma located further away from the pulsar. The low DM-change rate of the outer arc and the absence of nearby scattering screens suggest that the immediate environment of the pulsar may be relatively clean. Alternatively, scattering screens closer to the pulsar may exist but remain undetected, requiring higher-sensitivity or longer-duration observations.

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arXiv2026

A study of periodic nulling in PSR B0751+32 with FAST

We report new results from a nulling study of PSR~B0751+32 (PSR J0754+3231), observed at 1250~MHz with the Five hundred meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). Our analysis confirms the presence of periodic nulling in this pulsar. Using the recently developed mixture model method, we obtained a nulling fraction (NF) of $35.1\% \pm 0.6\%$. Three independent approaches were employed to estimate the nulling periodicity, and the results reveal significant temporal evolution of the modulation both within individual observations and across different \textbf{observing} essions. The pulsar exhibits an asymmetric two-component mean pulse profile, with the leading component brighter and narrower than the trailing one. Pulse energy analysis shows that both components remain stable immediately after the onset of the burst state, but subsequently undergo a progressive decline, with the trailing component most severely affected prior to burst termination. Notably, no evidence of the previously reported subpulse drifting was detected in our data. Our results challenge previous models that ascribed periodic nulling to purely geometric effects.

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arXiv2026

The FAST Galactic Plane Pulsar Snapshot Survey. IX. Timing Three Binary Pulsars with Wide Orbits and Low Orbital Eccentricities

Current pulsar timing models face challenges when applied to binary pulsars with wide orbits and low orbital eccentricities. The conventional \texttt{DD} model accurately characterizes the orbits of such systems, but it suffers from strong correlations between the time of periastron passage ($T_0$) and the longitude of periastron ($ω$). The ELL1 model avoids these parameter correlations, yet fails due to the limitations of its first-order low-eccentricity approximation. Recent enhancements to the ELL1 model (dubbed ELL1+ model) have incorporated higher-order terms but retain the low-eccentricity approximation. In this study, we propose a further improved model, ELL1R, which eliminates reliance on the low-eccentricity approximation through rigorous calculation of the Römer delay. This modification can avoid strong parameter correlations in the DD model, and it can be used in systems with mild eccentricity $0.01\lesssim e\lesssim0.1$ where the ELL1+ model can not. Using the ELL1R model, we present the first phase-coherent timing solutions for three binary pulsars: PSR~J1851--0108 (orbital period: 228 days), PSR~J1910+0423 (886 days), and PSR~J1923+2022 (777 days). Validation against the DD and ELL1+ models confirms that ELL1R yields consistent timing results while integrating the advantages of the two models. Our analysis further indicates that all three pulsars are mildly recycled. The companions of PSRs J1910+0423 and J1923+2022 are likely white dwarfs, whereas the nature of PSR J1851--0108's companion remains unknown.

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arXiv2026

Timing and scintillation of a young Galactic halo pulsar

We present a timing and scintillation study of the young Galactic halo pulsar PSR J1740+1000 using observations from the Nanshan, FAST, and Parkes radio telescopes. From timing analysis, we measure the pulsar's proper motion for the first time, indicating motion away from the Galactic plane at a position angle of 16.7 +/- 4.8 degrees (Galactic coordinates), with a total proper motion of 56.9 +/- 8.0 mas/yr and a corresponding transverse velocity of 329 +/- 80 km/s. This velocity suggests that PSR J1740+1000 is a typical-velocity young pulsar born within the Galactic halo. In scintillation studies, we detect scintillation arcs, arclets, and double-layered adjacent arcs in the secondary spectra. Under isotropic and anisotropic scattering assumptions, the screen-to-pulsar distance is 370 +/- 72 pc and 1 +/- 12 pc, respectively. The latter closely matches the scale of the pulsar wind nebula associated with PSR J1740+1000 and provides a better fit, suggesting that scattering is likely dominated by the PWN. The double-layered adjacent arcs observed on MJD 60180 imply that the pulsar's scattered image consists of two dominant components (A and B) and multiple weaker components. Component A is located at the pulsar's geometric position (0 uas), while Component B is located 112 +/- 16 uas and 23 +/- 17 uas from the central component under isotropic and anisotropic scattering, respectively. The frequency-independent angular position of Component B hints at refraction by an AU-scale structure within the scattering region, possibly originating from the PWN.

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arXiv2025

A Hyperactive FRB Pinpointed in an SMC-Like Satellite Host Galaxy

Precise localizations of fast radio bursts (FRBs) are essential for uncovering their host galaxies and immediate environments. We present the milliarcsecond-precision European VLBI Network localization of FRB 20240114A, a hyperactive repeating FRB, achieving <90x30 mas (1-sigma) accuracy. This precision places the burst 0.5 kpc from the nucleus of its low-metallicity star-forming dwarf host at a spectroscopic redshift of z = 0.130287. Our Gran Telescopio CANARIAS spectroscopic follow-up reveals that the dwarf FRB host is gravitationally bound to a more massive, star-forming spiral galaxy. This establishes the first known instance of an FRB residing in a satellite galaxy within a larger galactic system. This configuration, analogous to the Small Magellanic Cloud orbiting the Milky Way (but at a lower overall mass scale), expands the known diversity of FRB host environments and offers important insights for interpreting seemingly "hostless" or highly offset FRBs. Furthermore, our detailed dispersion measure (DM) budget analysis indicates that the dominant contribution to FRB 20240114A's DM likely originates from the foreground galaxy halos. This finding addresses the anomalously high DM observed for this FRB and underscores the significant role of intervening foreground structures in shaping observed FRB DMs, which is important for accurate FRB-based cosmological measurements. Our results highlight the importance of deep, high-resolution optical/infrared observations (e.g., with the Hubble or James Webb Space Telescopes) to fully leverage our precise radio localization and probe the immediate astrophysical birthplaces of FRB progenitors within these complex galactic systems.

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arXiv2025

Revealing the Unseen: The Discovery of Long-Awaited Radiation from the Intermittent Pulsar PSR B1931+24

Pulsars are typically characterized by their stable, highly magnetized, and fast-rotating nature, which underpins their persistent radio emissions. However, the discovery of prolonged radio-quiet ("off") states in intermittent pulsars, such as PSR B1931+24, has challenged the most fundamental theory of pulsar magnetospheric emission. Despite long-term monitoring with several telescopes, continuous emission during these "off" states had not been detected in 20 years of observations. Fortunately, sensitive observations via Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) revealed the mysterious weak emission containing occasional bursting dwarf pulses during the "off" states of PSR B1931+24. Along with a substantial decrease in flux density, a significant contraction in the integrated pulse width is measured in the "off" state compared to the radio-loud ("on") state, indicating alterations in the plasma supply and magnetospheric structure. Additionally, a previously unobserved dyssynchronous, nonuniform emission pattern is found in both states, supporting theories of a spatially inhomogeneous pair-cascade mechanism and challenging models of spatially coherent discharge. Furthermore, occasional dwarf pulses detected during the "off" state show flux and width distributions similar to those of the "on" state pulses, suggesting a potential link between the "on" and "off" state emissions of PSR B1931+24. Consequently, dwarf pulses are unlikely to represent a distinct emission mode as previously thought; instead, they appear to be part of a continuum within the pulsar's emission behaviors observed during the "on" state. These findings strongly support the basic theory of the pulsar magnetospheric emission and significantly advance our understanding of pulsar magnetospheric dynamics and their emission mechanisms.

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arXiv2025

Ninety percent circular polarization detected in a repeating fast radio burst

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are extra-galactic sources with unknown physical mechanisms. They emit millisecond-duration radio pulses with isotropic equivalent energy of $10^{36}\sim10^{41}$ ergs. This corresponds to a brightness temperature of FRB emission typically reaching the level of $10^{36}$ K, but can be as high as above $10^{40}$ K for sub-microsecond timescale structures, suggesting the presence of underlying coherent relativistic radiation mechanisms. Polarization carries the key information to understand the physical origin of FRBs, with linear polarization usually tracing the geometric configuration of magnetic fields and circular polarization probing both intrinsic radiation mechanisms and propagation effects. Here we show that the repeating sources FRB 20201124A emits $90.9\pm 1.1\%$ circularly polarized radio pulses. Such a high degree of circular polarization was unexpected in theory and unprecedented in observation in the case of FRBs, since such a high degree of circular polarization was only common among Solar or Jovian radio activities, attributed to the sub-relativistic electrons. We note that there is no obvious correlation between the degree of circular polarization and burst fluence. Besides the high degree of circular polarization, we also detected rapid swing and orthogonal jump in the position angle of linear polarization. The detection of the high degree circular polarization in FRB 20201124A, together with its linear polarization properties that show orthogonal modes, place strong constraints on FRB physical mechanisms, calling for an interplay between magnetospheric radiation and propagation effects in shaping the observed FRB radiation.

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arXiv2025

The FAST Galactic Plane Pulsar Snapshot survey: VIII. 116 binary pulsars

Finding pulsars in binaries are important for measurements of the masses of neutron stars, for tests of gravity theories, and for studies of star evolution. We are carrying out the Galactic Plane Pulsar Snapshot survey (GPPS) by using the the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). Here we present the Keplerian parameters for 116 newly discovered pulsars in the FAST GPPS survey, and obtain timing solutions for 29 pulsars. Companions of these pulsars are He white dwarfs, CO/ONe white dwarfs, neutron stars, main sequence stars and ultra light objects or even planets. Our observations uncover eclipses of 8 binary systems. The optical counterpart for the companion of PSR J1908+1036 is identified. The Post-Keplerian parameter $\dotω$ for the double neutron star systems PSR J0528+3529 and J1844-0128 have been measured, with which the total masses of the binary systems are determined.

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arXiv2025

Unveiling the emission properties of three long-period pulsars using FAST

We detail the emission behaviors of three long-period pulsars detected using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) during the CRAFTS survey. Their rotational periods range from 1.83 s to 4.75 s, and the null fractions measure between 28% and 53%. PSR J1945+1211 and PSR J2323+1214 exhibited quasi-periodic nulls, with duration of around 57 seconds. The longest null was observed in PSR J1945+1211, lasting 76 seconds. PSR J2323+1214 displayed varying null fractions between its leading and trailing components. For the first time in PSR J2323+1214, we detected five dwarf pulses, which are much weaker and narrower pulses than typical burst pulses. In addition, we investigate the microstructure of PSR J1900-0134 for the first time, revealing intricate pulses of up to 2.05 milliseconds and noting its complex emission characteristics. Bright pulses occur in all of these sources at different rates. These observations suggest complex magnetospheric processes, potentially related to magnetic reconnections, and provide insights into the origins of bright and microstructure pulses, as well as their distinctions from ordinary pulses.

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arXiv2024

A Series of (Net) Spin-down Glitches in PSR J1522-5735: Insights from the Vortex Creep and Vortex Bending Models

Through a detailed timing analysis of $\textit{Fermi}$-LAT data, the rotational behavior of the $γ$-ray pulsar PSR J1522$-$5735 was tracked from August 2008 (MJD 54692) to January 2024 (MJD 60320). During this 15.4-year period, two over-recovery glitches and four anti-glitches were identified, marking a rare occurrence in rotation-powered pulsars (RPPs). The magnitudes of these (net) spin-down glitches were determined to be $|Δν_{\rm g}/ν| \sim 10^{-8}$, well above the estimated detectability limit. For the two over-recovery glitches, the respective recovery fractions $Q$ are $2.1(7)$ and $1.4(2)$. Further analysis showed no substantial variations in either the flux or pulse profile shape in any of these events, suggesting that small (net) spin-down glitches, unlike large events observed in magnetars and magnetar-like RPPs, may occur without leaving an impact on the magnetosphere. Within the framework of the vortex creep and vortex bending models, anti-glitches and over-recoveries indicate the recoupling of vortex lines that moved inward as a result of a crustquake; meanwhile, the apparent fluctuations in the spin-down rate after the glitches occur as a result of the coupling of the oscillations of bent vortex lines to the magnetosphere.

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arXiv2024

Follow-up timing of 12 pulsars discovered in Commensal Radio Astronomy FAST Survey

We present phase-connected timing ephemerides, polarization pulse profiles and Faraday rotation measurements of 12 pulsars discovered by the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) in the Commensal Radio Astronomy FAST Survey (CRAFTS). The observational data for each pulsar span at least one year. Among them, PSR J1840+2843 shows subpulse drifting, and five pulsars are detected to exhibit pulse nulling phenomena. PSR J0640$-$0139 and PSR J2031$-$1254 are isolated MSPs with stable spin-down rates ($\dot{P}$) of $4.8981(6) \times $10$^{-20}$\,s\,s$^{-1}$ and $6.01(2) \times $10$^{-21}$\,s\,s$^{-1}$, respectively. Additionally, one pulsar (PSR J1602$-$0611) is in a neutron star - white dwarf binary system with 18.23-d orbit and a companion of $\leq$ 0.65M$_{\odot}$. PSR J1602$-$0611 has a spin period, companion mass, and orbital eccentricity that are consistent with the theoretical expectations for MSP - Helium white dwarf (He - WD) systems. Therefore, we believe it might be an MSP-He WD binary system. The locations of PSRs J1751$-$0542 and J1840+2843 on the $P-\dot{P}$ diagram are beyond the traditional death line. This indicates that FAST has discovered some low $\dot{E}$ pulsars, contributing new samples for testing pulsar radiation theories. We estimated the distances of these 12 pulsars based on NE2001 and YMW16 electron density models, and our work enhances the dataset for investigating the electron density model of the Galaxy.

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arXiv2024

The FAST Galactic Plane Pulsar Snapshot Survey -- V. PSR J1901+0658 in a double neutron star system

Double neutron star (DNS) systems offer excellent opportunities to test gravity theories. We report the timing results of PSR J1901+0658, the first pulsar discovered in the FAST Galactic Plane Pulsar Snapshot (GPPS) Survey. Based on timing observations by FAST over 5 yr, we obtain the phase-coherent timing solutions and derive the precise measurements of its position, spin parameters, orbital parameters, and dispersion measure. It has a period of 75.7 ms, a period derivative of 2.169(6)$\times 10^{-19}$ s s$^{-1}$, and a characteristic age of 5.5 Gyr. This pulsar is in an orbit with a period of 14.45 d and an eccentricity of 0.366. One post-Keplerian parameter, periastron advance, has been well-measured as being 0.00531(9) deg yr$^{-1}$, from which the total mass of this system is derived to be 2.79(7) M$_{\odot}$. The pulsar has the mass upper limit of 1.68 M$_{\odot}$, so the lower limit for the companion mass is 1.11 M$_{\odot}$. Because PSR J1901+0658 is a partially recycled pulsar in an eccentric binary orbit with such a large companion mass, it should be in a DNS system according to the evolution history of the binary system.

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arXiv2024

Investigation of profile shifting and subpulse movement in PSR J0344-0901 with FAST

We report two phenomena detected in PSR J0344$-$0901 from two observations conducted at frequency centered at 1.25 GHz using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). The first phenomenon manifests as shifting in the pulse emission to later longitudinal phases and then gradually returns to its original location. The event lasts for about 216 pulse periods, with an average shift of about $0.7^\circ$ measured at the peak of the integrated profile. Changes in the polarization position angle (PPA) are detected around the trailing edge of the profile, together with an increase in the profile width. The second phenomenon is characterized by the apparent movement of subpulses, which results in different subpulse track patterns across the profile window. For the first time in this pulsar, we identify four emission modes, each with unique subpulse movement, and determine the pattern periods for three of the emission modes. Pulse nulling was not detected. Modeling of the changes in the PPA using the rotating vector model gives an inclination angle of $75.12^\circ \pm 3.80^\circ$ and an impact parameter of $-3.17^\circ \pm 5.32^\circ$ for this pulsar. We speculate that the subpulse movement may be related to the shifting of the pulse emission.

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arXiv2023

Discovery of four pulsars in a pilot survey at intermediate Galactic latitudes with FAST

We present the discovery and timing results of four pulsars discovered in a pilot survey at intermediate Galactic latitudes with the Five-hundred Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST). Among these pulsars, two belong to the category of millisecond pulsars (MSPs) with spin periods of less than 20 ms. The other two fall under the classification of "mildly recycled" pulsars, with massive white dwarfs as companions. Remarkably, this small survey, covering an area of 4.7 $deg^2$ , led to the discovery of four recycled pulsars. Such success underscores the immense potential of future surveys at intermediate Galactic latitudes. In order to assess the potential yield of MSPs, we conducted population simulations and found that both FAST and Parkes new phased array feed surveys, focusing on intermediate Galactic latitudes, have the capacity to uncover several hundred new MSPs.

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arXiv2023

The FAST Galactic Plane Pulsar Snapshot Survey: III. Timing results of 30 FAST-GPPS discovered pulsars

Timing observations are crucial for determining the basic parameters of newly discovered pulsars. Using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) with the L-band 19-beam receiver covering the frequency range of 1.0--1.5 GHz, the FAST Galactic Plane Pulsar Snapshot (GPPS) Survey has discovered more than 600 faint pulsars with flux densities of only a few or a few tens of $μ$Jy at 1.25 GHz. To obtain accurate position, spin parameters and dispersion measure of a pulsar, and to calculate derived parameters such as the characteristic age and surface magnetic field, we collect available FAST pulsar data obtained either through targeted follow-up observations or through coincidental survey observations with one of the 19 beams of the receiver. From these data we obtain time of arrival (TOA) measurements for 30 newly discovered pulsars as well as for 13 known pulsars. We demonstrate that the TOA measurements acquired by the FAST from any beams of the receiver in any observation mode (e.g. the tracking mode or the snapshot mode) can be combined to get timing solutions. We update the ephemerides of 13 previously known pulsars and obtain the first phase-coherent timing results for 30 isolated pulsars discovered in the FAST GPPS Survey. Notably, PSR J1904+0853 is an isolated millisecond pulsar, PSR J1906+0757 is a disrupted recycled pulsar, and PSR J1856+0211 has a long period of 9.89 s that can constrain pulsar death lines. Based on these timing solutions, all available FAST data have been added together to obtain the best pulse profiles for these pulsars.

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arXiv2023

Pulsar Glitch in a Strangeon Star Model. III. The recovery

Strangeon star model has passed various observational tests, such as the massive pulsars and the tidal deformability during binary mergers. Pulsar glitch, as a useful probe for studying the interior structure of pulsars, has also been studied in strangeon star model in our previous papers, including the recovery coefficient, the waiting time of glitches and glitch activity. In this paper, the recovery process of a glitch is described in the strangeon star model, based on the starquake picture established in Paper I. After the starquake, the inner motion of the stellar matter would reduce the tangential pressure in the cracked places at the equatorial plane. The recovery (increase) of the tangential pressure would be achieved by a viscous flow towards the cracked places at equatorial plane, which leads to the exponential recovery of the spin frequency. A uniform viscous flow can reproduce the single exponential decay observed in some glitches, and the viscous time-scale $τ$ and the depth $h$ of the cracking place below the surface can be fitted by the recovery data. It is found that $h$ increases with glitch size $Δν/ν$, which is expected in the glitch scenario of strangeon stars. The magnitude of the recovery predicted in this recovery model is also consistent with that derived from observations. The single exponential decay reproduced by a uniform viscous flow can be generalized to two or more exponentials by the multi-component of viscous flows.

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arXiv2022

Individual pulse emission from the diffuse drifter PSR J1401$-$6357 using the ultrawideband receiver on the Parkes radio telescope

In this study, we report on a detailed single pulse analysis of the radio emission from the pulsar J1401$-$6357 (B1358$-$63) based on data observed with the ultrawideband low-frequency receiver on the Parkes radio telescope. In addition to a weak leading component, the integrated pulse profile features a single-humped structure with a slight asymmetry. The frequency evolution of the pulse profile is studied. Well-defined nulls, with an estimated nulling fraction greater than 2\%, are present across the whole frequency band. No emission is detected with significance above 3$σ$ in the average pulse profile integrated over all null pulses. Using fluctuation spectral analysis, we reveal the existence of temporal-dependent subpulse drifting in this pulsar for the first time. A clear double-peaked feature is present at exactly the alias border across the whole frequency band, which suggests that the apparent drift sense changes during the observation. Our observations provide further confirmation that the phenomena of pulse nulling and subpulse drifting are independent of observing frequency, which suggest that they invoke changes on the global magnetospheric scale.

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arXiv2022

New pulse profile variability associated with a glitch of PSR J0738-4042

The close correlation observed between emission state and spin-down rate change of pulsars has many implications both for the magnetospheric physics and the neutron star interior. The middle-aged pulsar PSR J0738$-$4042, which had been observed to display variations in the pulse profile associated with its spin-down rate change due to external effects, is a remarkable example. In this study, based on the 12.5-yr combined public timing data from UTMOST and Parkes, we have detected a new emission-rotation correlation in PSR J0738$-$4042 concurrent with a glitch. A glitch that occurred at MJD 57359(5) (December 3, 2015) with $Δν/ν\sim 0.36(4)\times 10^{-9}$ is the first glitch event observed in this pulsar and is probably the underlying cause of the emission-rotation correlation. Unlike the usual post-glitch behaviours, the braking torque on the pulsar has continued to increase over 1380 d, corresponding to a significant decrease in $\ddotν$. As for changes in the pulse profile after the glitch, the relative amplitude of the leading component weakens drastically, while the middle component becomes stronger. A combined model of crustquake induced platelet movement and vortex creep response is invoked to account for this rare correlation. In this scenario, magnetospheric state-change is naturally linked to the pulsar-intrinsic processes that give rise to a glitch.

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