The shape of pulsar beams

Observations of mean or average pulse profiles and their polarization give us much information on the shape of pulsar beams. The observed polarization variations, profile symmetry and frequency dependence of profile shape strongly suggest that the emission beam is conical and emitted from the vicinity of a magnetic pole. Central and outer parts of the beam have somewhat different properties, but the evidence is that they are emitted by the same basic mechanism. Recent observations suggest that the highly polarized pulse components seen in young pulsars may be emitted at a large angle to the magnetic axis.