paper

A Single spark model for PSR J21443933

arXiv:1912.09934 · doi:10.1093/mnras/stz3620

Abstract

The partially screened vacuum gap model (PSG) for the inner acceleration region in normal radio pulsars, a variant of the pure vacuum gap model, attempts to account for the observed thermal X-ray emission from polar caps and the subpulse drifting timescales. We have used this model to explain the presence of death lines, and extreme location of PSR J21443933 in the diagram. This model requires maintaining the polar cap near a critical temperature and the presence of non-dipolar surface magnetic field to form the inner acceleration region. In the PSG model, thermostatic regulation is achieved by sparking discharges which are a feature of all vacuum gap models. We demonstrate that non-dipolar surface magnetic field reduces polar cap area in PSR J21443933 such that only one spark can be produced and is sufficient to sustain the critical temperature. This pulsar has a single component profile over a wide frequency range. Single-pulse polarimetric observations and the rotating vector model confirm that the observer's line-of-sight traverses the emission beam centrally. These observations are consistent with a single spark operating within framework of the PSG model leading to single-component emission. Additionally, single-pulse modulations of this pulsar, including lack of subpulse drifting, presence of single-period nulls and microstructure, are compatible with a single spark either in PSG or in general vacuum gap models.

13 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS

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