The Shape of Pulsar Polar Caps
P.N. Arendt1 & J.A. Eilek1
Rotation distorts the magnetic field of a pulsar from that of a simple
dipole. The effect is particularly strong close to the light
cylinder. We find the shape of the field lines which just close at
the light cylinder. Their footpoints define the pulsar polar cap; we
find it is asymmetric and distorted, but -- contrary to previous
authors -- not strongly elliptical. We present our numerical results,
and briefly discuss consequences for interpretation of mean profiles.
STATUS: submitted to Ap. J. . . . . . .
.ps text file
1NMT
Publications