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NASA NTRS1992

Constraints on the putative companions to PSR1257+12

The radio pulsar PSR1257+12 was first observed about two years ago at the Arecibo radio telescope. It has a pulse period of 6.2 milliseconds which makes it one of only a handful of known objects of this type that spin at a dizzying rate of several hundred times per second. Routine follow-up monitoring of this object has continued since its discovery. The pulsar's discoverer has recently reported that a standard analysis of the time-of-arrival measurements of the radio pulses from PSR1257+12 showed that after accounting for the usual features of millisecond pulsars, there remained a residual in the signal which appeared to be a superposition of two components, one with a period of 98 days and the other with a period of 66 days. This was interpreted as being due to the presence of two low mass companions in orbit about the pulsar. The amplitude of the individual components in the residuals then gives a measure of the masses of the companions, up to a factor 1/sin i where i is the inclination of the orbital plane to the plane of the sky, so that a lower limit of the companion masses is well defined. The work reported in this paper tests the validity of this interpretation through orbital dynamics.

Malhotra, R.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Gravitational-wave Constraints on the Equatorial Ellipticity of Millisecond Pulsars

In this work, we present a search for continuous gravitational waves from five radio pulsars, comprising three recycled pulsars (PSR J0437-4715, PSR J0711-6830, and PSR J0737-3039A) and two young pulsars: the Crab pulsar (J0534+2200) and the Vela pulsar (J0835-4510). We use data from the third observing run of Advanced LIGO and Virgo combined with data from their first and second observing runs. For the first time, we are able to match (for PSR J0437-4715) or surpass (for PSR J0711-6830) the indirect limits on gravitational-wave emission from recycled pulsars inferred from their observed spin-downs, and constrain their equatorial ellipticities to be less than 10 -8 . For each of the five pulsars, we perform targeted searches that assume a tight coupling between the gravitational-wave and electromagnetic signal phase evolution. We also present constraints on PSR J0711-6830, the Crab pulsar, and the Vela pulsar from a search that relaxes this assumption, allowing the gravitational-wave signal to vary from the electromagnetic expectation within a narrow band of frequencies and frequency derivatives.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1987

The pulsar contribution to galactic cosmic ray positrons

Measurements of high energy positrons in the cosmic rays appear to show an increase in the positron fraction above 10 GeV which is inconsistent with theoretical predictions of secondary positron production. We explore the possibility that observations of .1 - 1 GeV and very high energy (VHE) gamma-rays from the Crab and Vela pulsars could imply a significant primary positron contribution from galactic radio pulsars at energies above 10 GeV. Assuming that positrons are produced through magnetic pair creation in the cascades near the polar cap which may be the source of the observed gamma rays, we can estimate the flux and spectrum of the pulsar positron contribution. The pulsar positron component has a flatter spectrum than that expected from secondary cosmic ray production. The level of this contribution above 10 GeV is high enough to make pulsars viable sources of the high energy positron excess, and may also put interesting constraints on pulsar emission models.

Harding, Alice K.↗
NASA NTRS1993

ROSAT High Resolution Imager observations of PSR 0656 + 14

We have used the High Resolution Imager (HRI) on ROSAT to image PSR 0656 + 14 at soft X-ray energies. With a net observing time of 10,326 s, we obtained a source event rate of 0.382 +/- 0.007 counts/s. Comparing the radial distribution of these counts between 15 and 100 arcsec to an empirically derived point spread function for HRI soft sources, we find no evidence of a spatially extended X-ray nebula to a limiting surface brightness of 1.67 x 10 exp -6 counts/s/sq arcsec, corresponding to a limit of 14 percent of the observed flux out to a radius of 100 arcsec. The X-ray emission of the pulsar is pulsed at the 0.385 s period of the radio pulsar, with a pulse fraction of 7 +/- 2.2 percent and a FWHM of 0.10 s. We discuss some models of the X-ray radiation of PSR 0656 + 14 compatible with both the HRI and PSPC results.

Anderson, S. B.↗
NASA NTRS2001

A Possible X-Ray Detection of the Binary Millisecond Pulsar J1012+5307

A possible X-ray detection of the newly discovered binary millisecond radio pulsar PSR J1012+5307 was obtained from an archival ROSAT observation. The 80 +/- 24 photons detected correspond to a 0.1 - 2.4 keV luminosity of approx. = 2.5 x 10(exp 30) erg/s at the nominal dispersion-measure distance of 520 pc. This luminosity is a factor of 2 less than that of PSR J0437-4715, a near twin of PSR J1012+5307 in its spin parameters and energetics, and the only millisecond pulsar from which pulsed X-rays have definitely been detected. PSR J1012+5307 is also within 6 deg of the "HI hole" in Ursa Major, providing a new estimate of the electron column density through this region which confirms that the ionized column density is also low. The small neutral column density to PSR J1012+5307, N(sub H) less than 7.5 x 10(exp 19)/sq cm, will facilitate future soft X-ray study, which will help to discriminate between thermal and nonthermal origins of the X-ray emission in millisecond pulsars.

Halpern, Jules P.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Search for Hard X-Ray Emission from Aquila X-1: High Energy Emission from Gamma-ray Radio Star 2CG 135+1/LSI 61 305

Several investigations supported by these CCRO grant were completed or are close to completion. The study of EGRET data for the unidentified source 2CG 135+01 was very fruitful. We discovered transient gamma-ray emission by combining several data obtained since 1994 through 1997. It is the first time that time variable emission is established for this enigmatic source, and clearly an interpretation in terms of an isolated radio pulsar (Geminga-like) is disfavored now. Our preferred model is a Galactic source, probably an energetic pulsar (such as PSR129-63) in a binary system producing gamma-rays because of pulsar wind/mass outflow interaction. We also accumulated may data concerning the radio source LSI 61 303, the possible counterpart of 2CG 135+01. We show that a possible anti-correlation between radio and gamma-ray emission exists. This anticorrelation is evident only in the energy range above 100 MeV, as demonstrated by the lack of it obtained from OSSE data. If confirmed, this anti-correlation would prove to be very important for the interpretation of the hundreds of unidentified gamma-ray sources currently discovered by EGRET near the Galactic plane, and would point to a new class of sources in addition to AGNs and isolated pulsars. We also completed the analysis of several time variable gamma-ray sources near the Galactic plane, with the discussion of evidence for transient emission from 2EG J1813-12 and 2EG J1828+01. We completed several investigations regarding gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), including the study of the brightness distribution for different spectral/duration GRB sub-classes, an investigation of acceleration processes and their consequences for GRB afterglow emission [61, the application of the synchrotron shock model of GRBs to X-ray energies.

Tavani, Marco↗
NASA NTRS2015

Programmable Ultra-Lightweight System Adaptable Radio Satellite Base Station

With the explosion of the CubeSat, small sat, and nanosat markets, the need for a robust, highly capable, yet affordable satellite base station, capable of telemetry capture and relay, is significant. The Programmable Ultra-Lightweight System Adaptable Radio (PULSAR) is NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC's) software-defined digital radio, developed with previous Technology Investment Programs and Technology Transfer Office resources. The current PULSAR will have achieved a Technology Readiness Level-6 by the end of FY 2014. The extensibility of the PULSAR will allow it to be adapted to perform the tasks of a mobile base station capable of commanding, receiving, and processing satellite, rover, or planetary probe data streams with an appropriate antenna.

Varnavas, Kosta↗
NASA NTRS1988

Pulsars, X-ray synchrotron nebulae, and guest stars

X-ray observations of supernova remnants and radio pulsars are used to derive luminosities of neutron stars and synchrotron nebulae. Observations of known isolated pulsars are used to develop an empirical relationship between the X-ray luminosity and the rate of loss of rotational energy. This is used to derive the characteristics of pulsars hidden in remnants which show evidence for a central compact object or associated nebular emission, but no clear pulsed signal from the neutron star itself. Possible periods and period derivatives for the hidden pulsars are discussed. Some might have periods as long as 0.5 s, and period derivatives considerably higher than that of PSR 1509 - 58, currently the pulsar with the highest known period derivative.

Seward, Frederick D.↗
NASA NTRS2019

A Pulsar-Based Time-Scale from the International Pulsar Timing Array

We have constructed a new time-scale, TT(IPTA16), based on observations of radio pulsars presented in the first data release from the International Pulsar Timing Array (IPTA). We used two analysis techniques with independent estimates of the noise models for the pulsar observations and different algorithms for obtaining the pulsar time-scale. The two analyses agree within the estimated uncertainties and both agree with TT(BIPM17), a post-corrected time-scale produced by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM). We show that both methods could detect significant errors in TT(BIPM17) if they were present. We estimate the stability of the atomic clocks from which TT(BIPM17) is derived using observations of four rubidium fountain clocks at the US Naval Observatory. Comparing the power spectrum of TT(IPTA16) with that of these fountain clocks suggests that pulsar-based time-scales are unlikely to contribute to the stability of the best time-scales over the next decade, but they will remain a valuable independent check on atomic time-scales. We also find that the stability of the pulsar-based time-scale is likely to be limited by our knowledge of solar-system dynamics, and that errors in TT(BIPM17) will not be a limiting factor for the primary goal of the IPTA, which is to search for the signatures of nano-Hertz gravitational waves.

G. Hobbs↗
NASA NTRS1985

Supernova remnants containing neutron stars

X-ray observations of Crab Nebula-like supernova remnants are summarized. Five remnants are found to contain internal neutron stars - four isolated and one in a binary system. Another five remnants have central unresolved X-ray sources which are probably neutron stars. Thus approximately 10 remnants are now known to have their origin in gravitational collapse. Another 22 remnants show some Crab-like properties, but the existence of a central compact object or pulsar is doubtful or unconfirmed. The four fast isolated pulsars in SNR are also compared with five X-ray detected radio pulsars.

Seward, F. D.↗
NASA NTRS1994

EGRET high-energy gamma-ray pulsar studies. 1: Young spin-powered pulsars

As part of its ongoing survey of the high-energy gamma-ray sky, the Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory has searched for emission from spin-powered pulsars, five of which have now been detected in the energy range 30 MeV less than or = E less than or = 20 GeV. A systematic study of the all-sky survey has found no additional pulsed gamma-ray sources. The pulsar detections, coupled with the upper limits on pulsed gamma radiation from other radio pulsars, indicate that the simplest models of gamma-ray pulsars are incomplete.

Thompson, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Pulsar and diffuse contributions to observed galactic gamma radiation

The first calculation of a gamma-ray production spectrum from pulsars in the Galaxy, along with a statistical analysis of data on 328 known radio pulsars, are presented. The implications of this point source contribution to the general interpretation of the observed galactic gamma-ray spectrum are indicated. The contributions from diffuse interstellar cosmic-ray induced production mechanisms are then re-examined, concluding that pulsars may be contributing significantly to the galactic gamma-ray emission.

Harding, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Search for the Identification of 3EG J1835+5918: Evidence for a New Type of High-Energy Gamma-Ray Source?

Most of the EGRET high-energy gamma-ray sources remain unidentified. It is highly likely that many of these are fainter blazars or pulsars, but there may also be new types of sources to be discovered. We have focussed our search for novel gamma-ray sources on 3EG 1835+5918, which is the brightest and most accurately positioned of the unidentified EGRET sources at high Galactic latitude (l, b = 89 deg, 25 deg). In this talk, we will summarize the results of X-ray, radio, and optical surveys of this location. In particular, we have made complete optical identifications of all of the ROSAT and ASCA sources in this region to a flux limit of approximately 1 x 10(exp -13) ergs/sq cm s. All of the X-ray sources within the EGRET error circle are radio-quiet quasars or coronally emitting stars. Previous radio pulsar searches have been unsuccessful. We set an upper limit of 3.8 mJy (at 1.4 GHz) on any possible radio counterpart to 3EG 1835+5918. We also find several quasars and white dwarfs using optical color selection, and we have monitored the entire field for variable optical objects on short and long time scales. Since no blazar-like or pulsar-like candidate has been found as a result of these searches, we assert that 3EG 1835+5918 must be lacking in one or more of the physically essential attributes of those classes of gamma-ray emitters. In particular, its radio flux is at least two orders of magnitude fainter than any of the securely identified EGRET blazars, and its soft X-ray flux is at least 30 times fainter than that of Geminga and other EGRET pulsars. If it is an AGN it lacks the beamed radio emission of blazars. If it is an isolated neutron star, it lacks both the thermal X-rays from a cooling surface and the magnetospheric non-thermal X-ray emission that is characteristic of all EGRET pulsars. As such, it is more problematic physically than Geminga, which is an ordinary pulsar that only lacks radio emission. As a pulsar, 3EG 1835+5918 would have to be either older or more distant than Geminga, and probably an even more efficient gamma-ray engine.

Mirabal, N.↗
NASA NTRS2006

X-ray Emission from Millisecond Pulsars

Isolated (solitary or non-accreting) millisecond pulsars with observed X-ray emission can be divided in two distinct groups: those emitting nonthermal (magnetospheric) radiation and pulsars with the bulk of X-rays of a thermal origin, presumably emitted from small hot spots around the magnetic poles on the neutron star surface (polar caps). I will discuss properties of X-ray emission detected with Chandra and XMM-Newton from a number of millisecond pulsars, with emphasis on those of the thermal component, and compare them with predictions of radio pulsar models.

Zavlin, Vyacheslav↗
NASA NTRS2023

X-Ray and Near-Infrared Observations of the Middle-aged Pulsar B1055-52, Its Multiwavelength Spectrum, and Proper Motion

Previous observations of the middle-aged γ-ray, X-ray, and radio pulsar B1055–52 indicated some peculiarities, such as a suspected changing of the X-ray flux and spectral parameters, a large excess of the alleged thermal component of the UV spectrum over the Rayleigh–Jeans extension of the X-ray thermal spectrum, and a possible double break in the nonthermal spectral component between the optical and X-ray bands. We observed PSR B1055–52 with the XMM-Newton observatory in X-rays and the Hubble Space Telescope in near-infrared (NIR). The analysis of the XMM-Newton observations does not support the notion of long-term changes in the X-ray flux and broadband X-ray spectrum of the pulsar. Using an observing mode less affected by background noise than the previous XMM-Newton observations, we constrain the power-law (PL) spectral index as X 0.57 0.25 0.26 a = - - + (Fν ∝ ν α ) in the energy band 3–10 keV. From the NIR–optical data we obtain a PL slope αO = −0.24 ± 0.10 for the color index E(B − V ) = 0.03 mag. The slopes and fluxes of the NIR–optical and X-ray nonthermal spectra suggest that the NIR through X-ray emission can be described by the same PL and is generated by the same mechanism, unlike the pulsar’s γ-ray emission. The excess of the UV thermal component over the extension of the X-ray thermal component became smaller but did not disappear, indicating a nonuniformity of the bulk surface temperature. The NIR data also enable us to measure the proper motion accurately, with values μα = 47.5 ± 0.7 mas yr−1 and μδ = −8.7 ± 0.7 mas yr−1 .

B Posselt↗
NASA NTRS2004

The Role of Beam Geometry in Population Statistics and Pulse Profiles of Radio and Gamma-ray Pulsars

We present results of a pulsar population synthesis study that incorporates a number of recent developments and some significant improvements over our previous study. We have included the results of the Parkes multi-beam pulsar survey in our select group of nine radio surveys, doubling our sample of radio pulsars. More realistic geometries for the radio and gamma-ray beams are included in our Monte Carlo computer code that simulates the characteristics of the Galactic population of radio and gamma-ray pulsars. We adopted with some modifications the radio beam geometry of Arzoumanian, Chernoff & Cordes (2002). For the gamma-ray beam, we have assumed the slot gap geometry described in the work of Muslimov & Harding (2003). To account for the shape of the distribution of radio pulsars in the P(dot) - P diagram, we continue to find that decay of the magnetic field on a timescale of 2.8 Myr is needed. With all nine surveys, our model predicts that EGRET should have seen 7 radio-quiet (below the sensitivity of these radio surveys) and 19 radio-loud gamma-ray pulsars. AGILE (nominal sensitivity map) is expected to detect 13 radio-quiet and 37 radio-loud gamma-ray pulsars, while GLAST, with greater sensitivity is expected to detect 276 radio-quiet and 344 radio-loud gamma-ray pulsars. When the Parkes multi-beam pulsar survey is excluded, the ratio of radio-loud to radio-quiet gamma-ray pulsars decreases, especially for GLAST. The decrease for EGRET is 45%, implying that some fraction of EGRET unidentified sources are radio-loud gamma-ray pulsars. In the radio geometry adopted, short period pulsars are core dominated. Unlike the EGRET gamma-ray pulsars, our model predicts that when two gamma-ray peaks appear in the pulse profile, a dominant radio core peak appears in between the gamma-ray peaks. Our findings suggest that further improvements are required in describing both the radio and gamma-ray geometries.

Gonthier, Peter L.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Pair Production and Gamma-Ray Emission in the Outer Magnetospheres of Rapidly Spinning Young Pulsars

Electron-positron pair production and acceleration in the outer magnetosphere may be crucial for a young rapidly spinning canonical pulsar to be a strong Gamma-ray emitter. Collision between curvature radiated GeV photons and soft X-ray photons seems to be the only efficient pair production mechanism. For Crib-like pulsars, the magnetic field near the light cylinder is so strong, such that the synchrotron radiation of secondary pairs will be in the needed X-ray range. However, for majority of the known Gamma-ray pulsars, surface emitted X-rays seem to work as the matches and fuels for a gamma-ray generation fireball in the outer magnetosphere. The needed X-rays could come from thermal emission of a cooling neutron star or could be the heat generated by bombardment of the polar cap by energetic particles generated in the outer magnetosphere. With detection of more Gamma-ray pulsars, it is becoming evident that the neutron star's intrisic geometry (the inclination angle between the rotation and magnetic axes) and observational geometry (the viewing angle with respect to the rotation axis) are crucial to the understanding of varieties of observational properties exhibited by these pulsars. Inclination angles for many known high energy Gamma-ray pulsars appear to be large and the distribution seems to be consistent with random orientation. However, all of them except Geminga are pre-selected from known radio pulsars. The viewing angles are thus limited to be around the respective inclination angles for beamed radio emission, which may induce strong selection effect. The viewing angles as well as the inclination angles of PSR 1509-58 and PSB 0656+14 may be small such that most of the high energy Gamma-rays produced in the outer accelerators may not reach the observer's direction. The observed Gamma-rays below 5 MeV from this pulsar may be synchrotron radiation of secondary electron-positron pairs produced outside the accelerating regions.

Ruderman, Malvin↗