Signal Propagation in Pulsar Polar Caps

Pulsar radio signals emitted at low altitudes close to the star's surface must propagate through the dense pair plasma of the polar cap. Their dispersion characteristics can be used to study the densities and turbulence levels of the polar cap plasma, much as low-frequency radio wave propagation through the ISM has been used to study that plasma. The unique characteristics of polar cap dispersion are likely to be apparent at high observing frequencies and high time resolution. Techniques are developed to connect measurements of dispersion and of pulse broadening to polar cap conditions.

STATUS: submitted to Ap.J. PS text file

Publications