Ellipticity and Deviations from Orthogonality in the Polarization Modes of PSR B0329+54

Details Ellipticity and Deviations from Orthogonality in the Polarization Modes of PSR B0329+54 Ellipticity and Deviations from Orthogonality in the Polarization Modes of PSR B0329+54

2004-04-05

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0404092v1

Astron.Astrophys. 421 (2004) 681-691

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

13 pages, 5 figures, to appear in A&A

Scientific paper

10.1051/0004-6361:20040228

We report on an analysis of the polarization of single pulses of PSR B0329+54 at 328 MHz. We find that the distribution of polarization orientations in the central component diverges strongly from the standard picture of orthogonal polarization modes (OPMs), making a remarkable partial annulus on the Poincare sphere. A second, tightly clustered region of density appears in the opposite hemisphere, at a point antipodal to the centre of the annulus. We argue that this can be understood in terms of birefringent alterations in the relative phase of two elliptically polarized propagation modes in the pulsar magnetosphere (i.e. generalised Faraday rotation). The ellipticity of the modes implies a significant charge density in the plasma, while the presence of both senses of circular polarization, and the fact that only one mode shows the effect, supports the view that refracted ordinary-mode rays are involved in the production of the annulus. At other pulse longitudes the polarization (including the circular component) is broadly consistent with an origin in elliptical OPMs, shown here quantitatively for the first time, however considerable non-orthogonal contributions serve to broaden the orientation distribution in an isotropic manner.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Ellipticity and Deviations from Orthogonality in the Polarization Modes of PSR B0329+54 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 Ellipticity and Deviations from Orthogonality in the Polarization Modes of PSR B0329+54, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ellipticity and Deviations from Orthogonality in the Polarization Modes of PSR B0329+54 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-666280