A Crab pulsar model: X-ray, optical, and radio emission.
Abstract
A model for the Crab pulsar has been developed with attention to X-ray, optical, and radio emission. It suggests that the constancy of the observed pulse and interpulse arrival times during the entire frequency range studied indicates that all these emissions originate from a single region having a maximum linear extent of about 10 to the 7th cm. Estimates are derived of the number density of the electrons and positrons generated by the outer gap and of the components of their initial momenta parallel and perpendicular to the gap B. It is shown that because of this relativistic momenta, inverse Compton scattering can convert radio photons traversing the outer gap into optical and X-ray photons. It is felt that the Crab pulsar's main pulse and interpulse originate from an outer gap, while the precursor is caused by a distinct mechanism. It is noted that because of the weaker magnetic fields near the light cylinder in slower pulsars, significant Compton boosting and radio emission within the outer gap are possible only in the fastest pulsar with parameters like those of the Crab.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- September 1977
- DOI:
- 10.1086/155531
- Bibcode:
- 1977ApJ...216..865C
- Keywords:
-
- Crab Nebula;
- Pulsars;
- Radio Sources (Astronomy);
- Stellar Models;
- X Ray Sources;
- Compton Effect;
- Electrons;
- Elementary Particle Interactions;
- Gamma Rays;
- Light (Visible Radiation);
- Photons;
- Positrons;
- Synchrotron Radiation;
- Astrophysics