The double pulsar: evolutionary constraints from the system geometry

R. D. Ferdman, I. H. Stairs, M. Kramer, R. N. Manchester, A. G. Lyne, R. P. Breton, M. A. McLaughlin, A. Possenti, M. Burgay

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

Abstract

The double pulsar system PSR J0737-3039A/B is a highly relativistic double neutron star (DNS) binary, with a 2.4-hour orbital period. The low mass of the second-formed NS, as well the low system eccentricity and proper motion, point to a different evolutionary scenario compared to other known DNS systems. We describe analysis of the pulse profile shape over 6 years of observations, and present the resulting constraints on the system geometry. We find the recycled pulsar in this system, PSR 0737-3039A, to have a low misalignment between its spin and orbital angular momentum axes, with a 68.3% upper limit of 6.1 degrees, assuming emission from both magnetic poles. This tight constraint lends credence to the idea that the supernova that formed the second pulsar was relatively symmetric, possibly involving electron-capture onto an O-Ne-Mg core.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication40 Years of Pulsars: Millisecond Pulsars, Magnetars and More
EditorsCG Bassa, Z Wang, A Cumming, VM Kaspi
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics
Number of pages2
ISBN (Print)978-0-7354-0502-8
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes
EventAIP Conference: 40 Years of Pulsars - Montreal, Canada
Duration: 12 Aug 200717 Aug 2007

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics
Volume983
ISSN (Print)0094-243X

Conference

ConferenceAIP Conference: 40 Years of Pulsars
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period12/08/0717/08/07

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