Mode-locked maser theory of pulsars

It is proposed that pulsars are mode-locked masers rather than rotating neutron stars. The maser cavity resides at the metallic-molecular interface near the surface of ordinary cold degenerate dwarf configurations. The period distribution, including its position, width, and features, is found in good agreement with that of pulsars. Furthermore, the pulse profile morphology of pulsars and modelocked lasers are found to be strikingly similar. Explanations are given for various other features, such as slowing down and optical pulses, and a possible connection with jovian decametric radiation is suggested. The main shortcoming of the maser theory is that no source of energy is obvious as yet.On leave from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.