Testing pulsar radiation models using an α-weak-dependent altitude ratio

Abstract

It is found that pulsar radiation altitude ratios between different radio frequencies are weak-dependent on the inclination angle α. This is proved via series expansion techniques and illustrated by using pulsar examples of PSR B0329+54, B1508+55, B2016+28, B1133+16, and B2319+60. It is emphasized that this α-weak-dependent radiation altitude ratio offers a good tool to test pulsar radiation models. We use the measured altitude ratios to constrain the parameter space for the Ruderman-Sutherland model and the inverse Compton scattering model. It is found that the Ruderman-Sutherland model is not compatible with the measured altitude ratios, while the results are compatible with the inverse Compton scattering model. The potential possible applications of this method in studying pulsar timing and in studying pulsar high energy radiation are also discussed. © 2009 The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.