Pulsar Electrodynamics

Electrodynamics of pulsar magnetospheres

I review the theoretical understanding of the global structure of pulsar magnetospheres concentrating on recent progress in force-free electrodynamics and first-principles simulations of magnetospheres.

Pulsar electrodynamics: a time-dependent view

Pulsar spindown forms a reliable yet enigmatic prototype for the energy loss processes in many astrophysical objects including accretion disks and back holes. In this paper we review the physics of pulsar magnetospheres, concentrating on recent developmen ts in force-free modeling of the magnetospheric structure. In particular, we discuss a new method for solving the equations of time-dependent...

M. Kramer, N. Wex, and R. Wielebinski, eds. Pulsar Electrodynamics

First I emphasize the magnetospheric loop current system induced by the wind activity. Next, I address the formation of the fieldaligned electric field. An interesting aspect is the reaction of the inner magnetosphere to an induced current. In the traditional outer gap, the current running through the gap is all carried by the particles created in the gap. However, if external current-carrying ...

Classical Electrodynamics

Pulsar glitch substructure and pulsar interiors

Pulsar timing at the Mt Pleasant observatory focused on Vela, which could be tracked for 18 hours of the day. These nearly continuous timing records extend over 24 years allowing a great insight into details of timing noise, micro glitches and other more exotic effects. It has been found that the spin up for the Vela pulsar occurs instantaneously to within the uncertainties of the data. The pot...