Multifrequency Study of Periodic Nulling and Subpulse Drifting in Pulsar J2048−1616

Abstract

Abstract We have carried out a detailed study of single-pulse emission from the pulsar J2048−1616 (B2045−16), observed at 732, 1369, and 3100 MHz frequencies using the Parkes 64 m radio telescope. The pulsar possesses three well-resolved emission components, with the central component resembling core emission. The single pulses show the presence of two distinct periodic modulations using fluctuation spectral analysis. About 12% nulls are found to create alternating bunches of nulls and bursts in a quasiperiodic manner with longer periodicities of 83, 28, and 14 rotational periods for simultaneous observations at 732 and 3100 MHz. At 1369 MHz, the quasiperiodic nulling is detected, as well, to modulate across the entire profile both in the core and conal components simultaneously with a fluctuation rate of about 50 rotational periods, and the nulling fraction is estimated to be around 10%. Additionally, the quasiperiodic modulations are significantly dependent on time. In addition to nulling, the pulsar also presents subpulse drifting in the single-pulse sequences with shorter periodicity. The subpulse drifting is presented in the conal components and is absent in the central core emission. The leading component is modulated in longitude with a period of three pulses. The trailing component remains phase stationary within the pulse window but periodically modulates in amplitude with a period of three pulses. Finally, possible physical mechanisms are discussed.