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Neutron stars and millisecond pulsars from accretion-induced collapse in globular clustersThis paper examines the limits on the number of millisecond pulsars which could be formed in globular clusters by the generally accepted scenario (in which a neutron star is created by the supernova of an initially massive star and subsequently captures a companion to form a low-mass X-ray binary which eventually becomes a millisecond pulsar). It is found that, while the number of observed low-mass X-ray binaries can be adequately explained in this way, the reasonable assumption that the pulsar luminosity function in clusters extends below the current observational limits down to the luminosity of the faintest millisecond pulsars in the field suggests a cluster population of millisecond pulsars which is substantially larger than the standard model can produce. Alleviating this problem by postulating much shorter lifetimes for the X-ray binaries requires massive star populations sufficiently large that the mass loss resulting from their evolution would be likely to unbind the cluster. It is argued that neutron star formation in globular clusters by accretion-induced collapse of white dwarfs may resolve the discrepancy in birthrates.
Document ID
19900043865
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Bailyn, Charles D.
(Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Cambridge, MA, United States)
Grindlay, Jonathan E.
(Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Cambridge, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
April 10, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 353
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
90A30920
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-624
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-30751
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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