Are There Two Pulsar Emission Mechanisms?

We show that ``core'' and ``cone'' pulsar emission profiles are connected, through standard theoretical models, to dynamical properties of the pulsar emission region. The models predict pair plasma formation only in pulsars which show core-type emission. Emission models which assume turbulence driven by relative velocities of the pair swarms probably apply to coral pulsars. If conal pulsars are pairless, however, a different emission mechanism is required for these objects.

Ap.J., 407, 413, 1997. PS text file

Publications