Pulsar Radio Emission by Conversion of Plasma Wave Turbulence: Nanosecond Time Structure

The plasma wave turbulence emission mechanism is studied to make predictions for the temporal characteristics of pulsar radio emission. The turbulent emission process consists of a cycle of electrostatic wave growth and modulational conversion into radiative modes. The onset of plasma wave turbulence is marked by explosive spatial collapse of regions of high electric field and bursts of radiation. Intrinsic time structure is found on sub-nanosecond to ten nanosecond timescales. The pulse exhibits an unusual spectral signature due to the coupling of the electromagnetic modes to the underlying electrostatic pump wave. This prediction can be tested with ultra-short timescale observations.

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