Polarization Evolution in Strong Magnetic Fields

Details Polarization Evolution in Strong Magnetic Fields Polarization Evolution in Strong Magnetic Fields

1999-09-20

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9909339v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

22 pages, 10 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS

Scientific paper

10.1046/j.1365-8711.2000.03076.x

Extremely strong magnetic fields change the vacuum index of refraction. Although this polarization dependent effect is small for typical neutron stars, it is large enough to decouple the polarization states of photons traveling within the field. The photon states evolve adiabatically and follow the changing magnetic field direction. The combination of a rotating magnetosphere and a frequency dependent state decoupling predicts polarization phase lags between different wave bands, if the emission process takes place well within the light cylinder. This QED effect may allow observations to distinguish between different pulsar emission mechanisms and to reconstruct the structure of the magnetosphere.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Polarization Evolution in Strong Magnetic Fields 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 Polarization Evolution in Strong Magnetic Fields, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Polarization Evolution in Strong Magnetic Fields will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-14709