Pulsar Polar Cap Heating and Surface Thermal X‐Ray Emission. I. Curvature Radiation Pair Fronts
Year: 2001
Type: article
Abstract: We investigate the effect of pulsar polar cap (PC) heating produced by positrons returning from the upper pair formation front. Our calculations are based on a self-consistent treatment of the pair dynamics and the effect of electric field screening by the returning positrons. We calculate the resultant X-ray luminosities and discuss the dependence of the PC heating efficiencies on pulsar parameters, such as characteristic spin-down age, spin period, and surface magnetic field strength. In this study we concentrate on the regime where the pairs are produced in a magnetic field by curvature photons emitted by accelerating electrons. Our theoretical results are not in conflict with the available observational X-ray data and suggest that the effect of PC heating should significantly contribute to the thermal X-ray fluxes from middle-aged and old pulsars. The implications for current and future X-ray observations of pulsars are briefly outlined.
Source: The Astrophysical Journal
DOI: 10.1086/321589
Authors: Alice K. Harding, Alexander G. Muslimov
Institutions: Goddard Space Flight Center, SM&A (United States)
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: Astrophysics Division
OpenAlex ID: W2017159292