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X-Radiation from the Millisecond Pulsar J0437-4715We report on spectral and timing observations of the nearest millisecond pulsar, 50437-471 5, with the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. The pulsar spectrum, detected up to 7 keV, cannot be described by a simple one-component model. We suggest that it consists of two components: a nonthermal power-law spectrum generated in the pulsar magnetosphere, with a photon index gamma approx. = 2, and a thermal spectrum emitted by heated polar caps, with a temperature decreasing outward from 2 to 0.5 MK. The lack of spectral features in the thermal component suggests that the neutron star surface is covered by a hydrogen (or helium) atmosphere. The timing analysis shows one X-ray pulse per period, with a pulsed fraction of about 40% and the peak at the same pulse phase as the radio peak. No synchrotron pulsar-wind nebula is seen in X-rays.
Document ID
20040139912
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Zavlin, V. E.
(Max-Planck-Inst. fuer Extraterrestrische Physik Garching, Germany)
Pavlov, G. G.
(Pennsylvania State Univ. University Park, PA, United States)
Sanwal, D.
(Pennsylvania State Univ. University Park, PA, United States)
Manchester, R. N.
(Australia Telescope National Facility Epping, Australia)
Truemper, J.
(Max-Planck-Inst. fuer Extraterrestrische Physik Garching, Germany)
Halpern, J. P.
(Columbia Univ. New York, NY, United States)
Becker, W.
(Max-Planck-Inst. fuer Extraterrestrische Physik Garching, Germany)
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
April 20, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal
Volume: 569
Issue: 2 Pt 1
ISSN: 000f-637X
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: SAO-GO0-1126X
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-7017
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-10865
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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