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The Slot Gap Model for Pulsar High-Energy EmissionA new picture of pulsar high-energy emission is proposed that is different from both the traditional polar cap and outer gap models, but combines elements of each. The slot gap model is based on electron acceleration along the edge of the open field region from the neutron star surface to near the light cylinder. Along the last open field line, the pair formation front rises to very high altitude forming a slot gap, where the accelerating electric field is unscreened by pairs. Electrons continue to accelerate to high altitudes in the slot gap, reaching a radiation reaction-limited energy of several TeV. The resulting radiation pattern features sharp caustics on the trailing edge of the open field region, allowing for the possibility of double-peaked pulse profiles very similar to those observed in gamma-ray pulsars. Since emission from a large range of altitudes arrives in phase, this model very naturally explains the phase alignment of radiation at all wavelengths from the Crab pulsar.
Document ID
20040081134
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Harding, Alice K.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Muslimov, Alexander
(ManTech International Corp. United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Subject Category
Astronomy
Meeting Information
Meeting: COSPAR
Location: Paris
Country: France
Start Date: July 18, 2004
End Date: July 25, 2004
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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