The magnetic fields of anomalous X-ray pulsars

Feryal Özel, Tolga Güver, Ersin Göǧüş

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs) belong to a class of neutron stars believed to harbor the strongest magnetic fields in the universe, as indicated by their energetic bursts and their rapid spindowns. We have developed a theoretical model that takes into account processes in the atmospheres and magnetospheres of ultramagnetic neutron stars, as well as the effects of their strong gravitational fields on the observable properties. Using this model, we have analyzed the X-ray spectra of a number of AXPs. We find that in all cases, the X-ray spectra are described very well with this emission model. The spectroscopically measured magnetic field strengths of these sources are in close agreement with the values inferred from their spindown properties and provide independent evidence for their magnetar nature. The analysis of spectral data using this physical model also sheds light on the long-term evolution of AXPs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication40 Years Of Pulsars
Subtitle of host publicationMillisecond Pulsars, Magnetars and More
Pages254-258
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Event40 Years Of Pulsars: Millisecond Pulsars, Magnetars and More - Montreal, QC, Canada
Duration: Aug 12 2007Aug 17 2007

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume983
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

Other40 Years Of Pulsars: Millisecond Pulsars, Magnetars and More
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal, QC
Period8/12/078/17/07

Keywords

  • Magnetars
  • Pulsars

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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