Analyzing X-ray pulsar profiles: geometry and beam pattern of A0535+26

作者:Caballero I*; Kraus U; Santangelo A; Sasaki M; Kretschmar P
来源:Astronomy & Astrophysics, 2011, 526: A131.
DOI:10.1051/0004-6361/201014728

摘要

Aims. We applied a decomposition method to the energy dependent pulse profiles of the accreting binary pulsar A0535+26, in order to identify the contribution of the two magnetic poles of the neutron star and to obtain constraints on the geometry of the system and on the beam pattern. Methods. We analyzed pulse profiles obtained from RXTE observations in the X-ray regime. Basic assumptions of the method are that the asymmetry observed in the pulse profiles is caused by non-antipodal magnetic poles and that the emission regions have axisymmetric beam patterns. Results. Constraints on the geometry of the pulsar and a possible solution of the beam pattern are given. We interpreted the reconstructed beam pattern in terms of a geometrical model of a hollow column plus a halo of scattered radiation on the neutron star surface, which includes relativistic light deflection.

  • 出版日期2011-2
  • 单位中国地震局