Toward a Resolution of the Crab sigma-Problem: A Linear Accelerator?

Details Toward a Resolution of the Crab sigma-Problem: A Linear Accelerator? Toward a Resolution of the Crab sigma-Problem: A Linear Accelerator?

Jul 2003

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003pasb.conf..109k&link_type=abstract

"Pulsars, AXPs and SGRs observed with BeppoSAX and Other Observatories, Proceedings of the International Workshop held in Marsal

Other

Scientific paper

Using the exact solution of the axisymmetric pulsar magnetosphere and the conservation laws of the associated MHD flow, we show that the Lorentz factor of the outflowing plasma increases linearly with distance from the light cylinder. Therefore, the ratio of the Poynting to particle energy flux, generically referred to as sigma, decreases inversely proportional with this distance, from a large value (typically >~ 104) near the light cylinder to sigma ~ 1 at a transistion distance Rtrans. Beyond this distance the inertial effects of the outflowing plasma become important and the magnetic field geometry must deviate from the almost monopolar form it attains between Rlc and Rtrans. We anticipate that this is achieved by collimation of the poloidal field lines toward the rotation axis, ensuring that the magnetic field pressure in the equatorial region will fall-off faster than 1/R2 (R being the cylindrical radius). This leads both to a value sigma = sigmas << 1 at the nebular reverse shock at distance Rs (Rs >> Rtrans) and to a component of the flow perpendicular to the equatorial component, as required by observation. The presence of the strong shock at R = Rs allows for the efficient conversion of kinetic energy into radiation. We speculate that the Crab pulsar is unique in requiring sigmas ~ 3 10-3 because of its small translational velocity, which allowed for the shock distance Rs to grow to values >> Rtrans.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Toward a Resolution of the Crab sigma-Problem: A Linear Accelerator? 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 Toward a Resolution of the Crab sigma-Problem: A Linear Accelerator?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Toward a Resolution of the Crab sigma-Problem: A Linear Accelerator? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1885031