Stellar Forensics II: Millisecond Pulsar Binaries

Abstract

We use the grid of models described in paper~I to analyse those millisecond pulsar binaries whose secondaries have been studied optically. In particular, we find cooling ages for these binary systems that range from $<1\mathrm{Gyr}$ to $\sim 15Gyr$. Comparison of cooling ages and characteristic spin down ages allows us to constrain the initial spin periods and spin-up histories for individual systems, showing that at least some millisecond pulsars had sub-Eddington accretion rates and long magnetic field decay times.

Latex, 14 pages, and 15 postscript figures. Accepted by Monthly Notices

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