On the slow-down of the millisecond pulsar PSR 1937+214

There are indications that less than 10^–3 of the spin-down energy of the millisecond pulsar PSR 1937+214 emerges as electromagnetic radiation. The implications of this result are discussed. The surface magnetic field would then be 10⁷ G, making the pulsar optically undetectable, and casting aspersions on the accretion disc spin-up neutron star models for the pulsar. The pulsar should have an equatorial ellipticity 10^–9, which can be accounted for if the equatorial magnetic field departs from axisymmetry by one part in 10³.     

Tenma observation of the X-ray pulsar 4U1626-67

Energy-dependent pulse profiles from the X-ray pulsar 4U1626-67, observed with Tenma in May 1983, were studied using an anisotropic radiation transfer model in an accretion column on a strongly magnetized neutron star. The result indicates that the strength of the magnetic field is about 8×10¹² G at the surface of the neutron star.Paper presented at the IAU Third Asian-Pacific Regional Meeting, held in Kyoto, Japan, between 30 September–6 October, 1984.     

Suppression of the firehose instability by hard energy spectra

The growth rate of the relativistic firehose instability is an order of magnitude smaller, near marginal instability, for plasmas with particle energy spectraN(E)dEE ^–2.5dE than for those withN(E)dEE ^–3dE. If cosmic rays are accelerated impulsively in limited regions, with initially flat spectra, the sudden increase in the firehose growth rate could lead to release of the particles when the spectrum has steepened beyond exponent 2.5.     

Modulation of the high energy γ-ray flux from PSR B1259-63/SS2883 due to the orbital variation of the maximum energy of accelerated electrons

The inverse Compton (IC) scattering of ultrarelativistic electrons accelerated at the pulsar wind termination shock is generally believed to be responsible for TeV gamma-ray signal recently reported from the binary system PSR B1259-63/SS2883. In such a system the acceleration takes place in the presence of a dense radiation field provided by a companion Be2-type star. Thus it is natural to expect an orbital phase dependence of the acceleration efficiency in the system. The HESS collaboration reported the tendency of reduction of TeV γ-rays around the periastron. In this paper we study a possible explanation of this effect by the “early” (sub-TeV) cutoffs in the energy spectrum of accelerated electrons due to the enhanced rate of Compton losses close to the periastron.     

Recent results from the gamma-ray burst studies in the KONUS experiment

Observations of 85 gamma bursts by the KONUS instruments on the Venera 11 and Venera 12 spacecraft in the period September 1978 to May 1979 inclusive have provided proof of a galactic localization of the gamma-burst sources based on an analysis of the logN-logS plot and the revealed anisotropy in the angular distribution of sources over the celestial sphere. Evaluation of the energy released in the sources yields 10⁴⁰–10⁴¹ erg. There apparently exist several types of gamma bursts differing in time profile, duration and shape of their energy spectrum. In some cases, extensive evolution of the energy spectrum is observed during a burst. The discovery of a flaring X-ray pulsar in Dorado has provided the first observational evidence for a connection of gamma bursts with neutron stars. Repeated short bursts from this source have revealed for the first time the recurrent features of this phenomenon. Repeated bursts have been detected from one more source in the short burst class. The data obtained thus far impose a number of restrictions on the applicability of many theoretical suggestions concerning the nature of the gamma bursts. The most plausible model for the gamma-burst source appears to be a binary with a neutron star with strongly non-stationary accretion involving, possibly, non-stationary thermonuclear fusion of matter falling onto the surface of a degenerate star.Paper presented at the Symposium on Cosmic Gamma-Ray Bursts, held at Toulouse, France, 26–29 November, 1979.     

Energy spectrum and time variations of hard X-rays from Cyg X-1

Experimental results on the intensity, energy spectrum and time variations in hard X-ray emission from Cyg X-1 based on a balloon observation made on 1971, April 6 from Hyderabad (India) are described. The average energy spectrum of Cyg X-1 in the 22–154 keV interval on 1971 April 6 is best represented by a power law dN/dE=(5.41±1.53)E ^{–(1.92±0.10)} photons cm^–2s^–1 keV^–1 which is in very good agreement with the spectrum of Cyg X-1 derived from an earlier observation made by us on 1969 April 16 in the 25–151 keV band and given by dN/dE=(3.54±2.44)E ^{–(1.89±0.22)} photons cm^–2s^–1 keV^–1. A thermal bremsstrahlung spectrum fails to give a good fit over the entire energy range for both the observations. Comparison with the observations of other investigators shows that almost all balloon experiments consistently give a spectrum of E ^–2, while below 20 keV the spectrum varies fromE ^–1.7 toE ^–5. There is some indication of a break in the Cyg X-1 spectrum around 20 keV. Spectral analysis of data in different time intervals for the 1971 April 6 flight demonstrates that while the source intensity varies over time scales of a few minutes, there is no appreciable variation in the spectral slope. Analysis of various hard X-ray observations for long term variations shows that over a period of about a week the intensity of Cyg X-1 varies upto a factor of four. The binary model proposed by Dolan is examined and the difficulties in explaining the observed features of Cyg X-1 by this model are pointed out.     

The spectrum of diffuse cosmic X-rays in the 20–125 keV range

Diffuse cosmic X-rays in the energy range 20–125 keV were measured in four balloon flights from Hyderabad, India during 1968–70 using almost identical X-ray telescopes mounted on oriented platforms. The results from these flights show that the spectrum of the diffuse cosmic X-rays can be represented by the form dN/dE=29E ^–2.1±0.3 photons/(cm² sr s keV) in 20–125 keV interval after corrections for photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering effects in the atmosphere. The best fit spectrum of all published results in the energy interval 20–200 keV can be represented by the form dN/dE=36E ^–2.1±0.1 photons/(cm² sr s keV) after similar corrections are effected, and there is no need for a change of spectral index in this energy interval. The intensity at 20 keV obtained from the above spectrum agrees well with that given by the spectral form dN/dE=10E ^–1.7±0.1 photons/(cm² sr s keV) in the energy interval 1–20 keV in several rocket experiments. Therefore it is concluded that if there is a break in the spectrum, it occurs between 10 and 20 keV with a change of spectral index by about 0.5, or the index is continuously changing from 1.7±0.1 to 2.1±0.1 in 10–20 keV interval. The implications of the results are briefly discussed.     

Magnetosphere of barionic stars

Conclusions Our chief result is the proof that pulsars can possess a quasi-steady-state magnetosphere with temperature T10⁴–10⁶. The magnetosphere can be maintained in this state in its part nearest the star if the plasma is heated by radiation from the star (except for P 0531, for which such radiation is nearlyinsignificant). Plasma in the main part of the magnetosphere is maintained in such a hot state as a result of Joule heat due to drift currents. Radiation from the magnetosphere of P 0531 is found basically in the optical spectrum, though the intensity is several orders of magnitude less than the observed value, so that it does not correspond to the observed optical emission from the pulsar in the Crab nebula.Erevan State University. Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 339–349, April–June, 1976.     

Radio-to-TeV γ-ray emission from PSR B1259–63

We discuss the implications of the recent X-ray and TeV γ-ray observations of the PSR B1259–63 system (a young rotation powered pulsar orbiting a Be star) for the theoretical models of interaction of pulsar and stellar winds. We show that previously considered models have problems to account for the observed behaviour of the system. We develop a model in which the broad band emission from the binary system is produced in result of collisions of GeV–TeV energy protons accelerated by the pulsar wind and interacting with the stellar disk. In this model the high energy γ-rays are produced in the decays of secondary neutral pions, while radio and X-ray emission are synchrotron and inverse Compton emission produced by low-energy (≤100 MeV) electrons from the decays of secondary charged π ^± mesons. This model can explain not only the observed energy spectra, but also the correlations between TeV, X-ray and radio emission components.      

Spectral Constraints for Millisecond Pulsars Due to General Relativistic Frame Dragging

We develop a numerical code for simulating the magnetospheres of millisecond pulsars, which are expected to have unscreened electric potentials due to the lack of magnetic pair production. We incorporate General Relativistic (GR) expressions for the electric field and charge density and include curvature radiation (CR) due to primary electrons accelerated above the stellar surface, whereas inverse Compton scattering (ICS) of thermal X-ray photons by these electrons are neglected as a second-order effect. We apply the model to PSR J0437-4715, a prime candidate for testing the GR-Electrodynamic theory, and find that the curvature radiation spectrum cuts off at energies below 15 GeV, which are well below the threshold of the H.E.S.S. telescope, whereas Classical Electrodynamics predict a much higher cutoff near 100 GeV, which should be visible for H.E.S.S., if standard assumed Classical Electrodynamics apply. GR theory also predicts a relatively narrow pulse (2φ _L ∼ 0.2 phase width) centered on the magnetic axis, which sets the beaming solid angle to ∼0.5 sr per polar cap (PC) for a magnetic inclination angle of 35^∘ relative to the spin axis, given an observer which sweeps close to the magnetic axis. We also find that EGRET observations above 100 MeV of this pulsar constrain the polar magnetic field strength to B _pc < 4× 10⁸ G for a pulsar radius of 10 km and moment of inertia of 10⁴⁵ g cm². The field strength constraint becomes even tighter for a larger radius and moment of inertia. Furthermore, a reanalysis of the full EGRET data set of this pulsar, assuming the predicted pulse shape and position, should lead to even tighter constraints on neutron star and GR parameters, up to the point where the GR-derived potential and polar cap current may be questioned.     

Hydrogen molecular ion in the magnetic field of a neutron star

A two-dimensional potential energy surface of an H ₂ ⁺ molecular ion is calculated for the case of the strong magnetic field of the neutron starB=10¹¹–10¹³ G. It is shown that the dependence of the potential energy from the angle between the magnetic field direction and the internuclear axis becomes very sharp as the magnetic field increases. The obtained potential energy surfaces can be used for studying the vibrational-rotational structure of the H ₂ ⁺ spectrum in a strong magnetic field and the development of the observational methods for the determination of the magnetic field of a neutron star.     

Two X-ray sources model of Cyg X-3

A model of Cyg X-3, as a binary cocooned star system with two sources of X-rays, one above the polar caps of the neutron star — the usual pulsar radiation — and the other around the equatorial plane of the magneto-bounding surface formed due to the interaction of the infalling plasma and the magnetic field of the neutron star, is made. The X-ray, -ray, and IR radiation light curves are considered from the shadow effect. An upper limit on the mass of the neutron star is estimated from the consideration of periodic derivative purely due to mass loss. A comparison is made with the results of Elsneret al. (1980) and Ghoshet al. (1981), which they derived from the consideration of period derivative purely from apsidal motion.     

Influence of electron-positron pair production on a pulsar magnetospheric structure

A self-consistent pulsar magnetospheric model with electron-positron pair production is considered. Unlike conventional models, the primary particles (electrons) are accelerated towards the neutron star and their curvature radiation towards a star generates electron-positron plasma near the neutron star. Inside an outflow channel, the generated plasma flows away from the pulsar magnetosphere. A part of the plasma electrons returns and, being accelerated towards the star, regenerate the plasma by their curvature radiation. It is shown that plasma production near the star causes an appearance of positron and electron equatorial belts. The plasma concentration and the flux of the returning electrons are estimated. The portion of the energy entering into the pulsar magnetosphere and its dependence on pulsar parameters are estimated.     

Low-energy charged particle ring around equator in the altitude range 400–1100 km

Measurements of charged particle fluxes at energies >-13 MeV (if protons), by means of a detector system of high geometrical factor (950 cm² sr), flown on OGO-6 satellite, reveals a ring of low energy charged particles around equator with fluxes of the order of 50–70 particles (m^–2 s^–1 sr^–1), in the altitude range of 400–1100 km. The ring of charged particles exists below the inner radiation belt and is restricted to ±4° of the geomagnetic equator. Distribution of the maximum flux with geomagnetic latitude andL is presented. Comparison of the observed fluxes with earlier measurements of low energy particles, reveals a differential energy spectrum of the type KE^– with the exponent nearly equal to 2.4 to 3.     

On Charged Analogues of Buchdahl’S Type Fluid Spheres

In this article the charged analogues of recently derived Buchdahl’s type fluid spheres have been obtained by considering a particular form of electric field intensity. In this process, Einstein–Maxwell field equations yield eight different classes of solutions, joining smoothly with the exterior Reissner–Nordstrom metric at the pressure free intersurface. Out of the eight solutions only seven could be utilized to represent superdense star models with ultrahigh surface density of the order 2×10¹⁴ gm cm⁻³. The maximum masses of the star models were found to be 8.223931M_Θ and 8.460857M_Θ subject to strong and weak energy conditions, respectively, which are much higher than the maximum masses 3.82M_Θ and 4.57M_Θ allowed in the neutral cases. The velocity of sound seen to be less than that of light throughout the star models.     

Evidence for thin-target X-ray emission in a small solar flare on 26 February 1972

We compare solar X-ray observations from the UCSD experiment aboard OSO-7 with high resolution energetic electron observations from the UCAL experiment on IMP-6 for a small solar flare on 26 February 1972. A proportional counter and NaI scintillator covered the X-ray energy range 5–300 keV, while a semiconductor detector telescope covered electrons from 18 to 400 keV. A series of four non-thermal X-ray spikes were observed from 1805 to 1814 UT with average spectrum dJ/d (hv) (hv)^–4.0 over the 14–64 keV range. The energetic electrons were observed at 1 AU beginning 1840 UT with a spectrum dJ/dE E ^–3.1. If the electrons which produce the X-ray emission and those observed at 1 AU are assumed to originate in a common source, then these observations are consistent with thin target X-ray production at the Sun and inconsistent with thick target production. Under a model consistent with the observed soft X-ray emission, we obtain quantitative estimates of the total energy, total number, escape efficiency, and energy lost in collisions for the energetic electrons.     

Pulsar radio emission

The theory of pulsar radio emission has been developed in a series of our papers since 1992. It was shown that pulsar radio emission is produced in the lower part of a channel of open magnetic field lines, in a region with a height h ≈ 1.1-10⁷ μ ₃₀ ^1/3 /P^4/21 cm above a magnetic cap of the neutron star (P is the pulsar’s period and μ is the star’s magnetic moment). Here, owing to vigorously occurring processes (the production of photons of curvature radiation and their annihilation into e⁺e^- pairs), two ultrarelativistic particle fluxes are formed: an electron flux moving upward and a positron flux falling onto the star’s magnetic cap. These main fluxes are accompanied by narrow strips of positron and electron fluxes of relatively low energy, the curvature emission from which is a strong coherent radio source. The present paper is a review of earlier papers, and important additions and refinements are also made. Equations are offered for the radio luminosity of a pulsar, the solid angle of the radio beam, and the magnetic moment and moment of inertia of the pulsar’s neutron star. Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 43, No. 1, pp. 147-169, January–March, 2000.     

NuSTAR observations of the X-ray pulsar LMC X-4: A constraint on the magnetic field and tomography of the system in the fluorescent iron line

We present the results of the spectral and timing analysis of the X-ray pulsar LMC X-4 based on data from the NuSTAR observatory in the broad X-ray energy range 3–79 keV. Along with a detailed analysis of the source’s averaged spectrum, high-precision spectra corresponding to different phases of the neutron star spin cycle have been obtained for the first time. The Comptonization model is shown to describe best the source’s spectrum, and the evolution of its parameters as a function of the pulse phase has been traced. For all spectra (the averaged and phase-resolved ones) in the energy range 5–55 keV we have searched for the cyclotron absorption line. The derived upper limit on the optical depth of the cyclotron line τ ~ 0.15 (3σ) points to the absence of this feature in the given energy range, which provides a constraint on the magnetic field of the neutron star: B <3 × 10¹¹ or >6.5 × 10¹² G. The latter constraint is consistent with the magnetic field estimate obtained by analyzing the pulsar’s power spectrum, B ? 3 × 10¹³ G. Based on our analysis of the phase-resolved spectra, we have determined the delay between the emission peaks and the equivalent width of the fluorescent iron line. This delay depends on the orbital phase and is apparently associated with the travel time of photons between the emitting regions in the vicinity of the neutron star and the region where the flux is reflected (presumably in the inflowing stream or at the place of interaction between the stream and the outer edge of the accretion disk).     

High energy gamma-ray emission from binaries

The current Cherenkov telescopes together with GLAST are opening up a new window into the physics at work close to black holes and rapidly rotating neutron stars with great breakthrough potential. Very high energy gamma-ray emission up to 10 TeV is now established in several binaries. The radiative output of gamma-ray binaries is in fact dominated by emission above 1–10 MeV. Most are likely powered by the rotational spindown of a young neutron star that generates a highly relativistic wind. The interaction of this pulsar wind with the companion’s stellar wind is responsible for the high energy gamma-ray emission. There are hints that microquasars, accretion-powered binaries emitting relativistic jets, also emit gamma-ray flares that may be linked to the accretion–ejection process. Studying high energy gamma-ray emission from binaries offers good prospects for the study of pulsar winds physics and may bring new insights into the link between accretion and ejection close to black holes.     

Neutron Stars in the Subsonic Propeller Stage

In the evolutionary tracks of magnetized compact stars the subsonic propeller state is intermediate between the supersonic propeller and accretor states. The rotation rate of a star in this stage decreases because of the interaction of its magnetosphere with the surrounding hot quasistatic shell. The radius of the magnetosphere is less than the corotation radius, and the boundary of the magnetosphere is stable with respect to inter-change instabilities. The mass flow rate from the inner radius of the shell to the surface of the compact object is limited by the rate at which plasma diffuses into the magnetic field of the star. Because of this, a subsonic propeller will show up as a low (or moderate) luminosity accretion pulsar with a soft x-ray spectrum.__________Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 48, No. 3, pp. 477–490 (August 2005).