A pulsar emission model - Observational tests

Abstract

The author reexamines the idea of pulsar emission in the form of coherent curvature radiation from particle "bunches" following curved magnetic field lines near the neutron star, where the field lines are assumed not to be purely dipolar. The radiation is assumed to be concentrated on relatively narrow isolated flux tubes which generate wide individual fan beams. A given pulsar may rotate into view several such beams, leading to complex pulse profiles. Radiation is not from a "hollow cone" but rather concentrated near the low latitude edge of the magnetic polar cap, which is tipped at some angle to the spin axis. Observable consequences of this pulsar emission model are outlined.