Physics
Scientific paper
May 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002natur.417..527k&link_type=abstract
Nature, Volume 417, Issue 6888, pp. 527-529 (2002).
Physics
75
Scientific paper
Anomalous X-ray pulsars (AXPs) differ from ordinary radio pulsars in that their X-ray luminosity is orders of magnitude greater than their rate of rotational energy loss, and so they require an additional energy source. One possibility is that AXPs are highly magnetized neuron stars-or `magnetars'-having surface magnetic fields greater than 1014G. This would make them similar to the soft γ-ray repeaters (SGRs), but alternative models that do not require extreme magnetic fields also exist. An optical counterpart to the AXP 4U0142+61 was recently discovered, consistent with emission from a magnetar, but also from a magnetized hot white dwarf, or an accreting isolated neutron star. Here we report the detection of optical pulsations from 4U0142+61. The pulsed fraction of optical light (27 per cent) is five to ten times greater than that of soft X-rays, from which we conclude that 4U0142+61 is a magnetar. Although this establishes a direct relationship between AXPs and the soft γ-ray repeaters, the evolutionary connection between AXPs, SGRs and radio pulsars remains controversial.
Kern Brian
Martin Chris
No associations
LandOfFree
Optical pulsations from the anomalous X-ray pulsar 4U0142+61 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Optical pulsations from the anomalous X-ray pulsar 4U0142+61, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical pulsations from the anomalous X-ray pulsar 4U0142+61 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-984762