Magnetic Dipole Axis Research Articles

The Great Pretenders Among the ULX Class

The recent discoveries of pulsed X-ray emission from three ultraluminous X-ray (ULX) sources have finally enabled us to recognize a subclass within the ULX class: the great pretenders, neutron stars (NSs) that appear to emit X-ray radiation at isotropic luminosities only because their emissions are strongly beamed toward our direction and our sight lines are offset by only a few degrees from their magnetic-dipole axes. The three known pretenders appear to be stronger emitters than the presumed black holes of the ULX class, such as Holmberg II & IX X-1, IC10 X-1 and NGC 300 X-1. For these three NSs, we have adopted a single reasonable assumption, that their brightest observed outbursts unfold at the Eddington rate, and we have calculated both their propeller states and their surface magnetic-field magnitudes. We find that the results are not at all different from those recently obtained for the Magellanic Be/X-ray pulsars: the three NSs reveal modest magnetic fields of about 0.3–0.4 TG and beamed propeller-line X-ray luminosities of , substantially below the Eddington limit.

VARIABLE AND POLARIZED RADIO EMISSION FROM THE T6 BROWN DWARF WISEP J112254.73+255021.5

ABSTRACT Route & Wolszczan recently detected five radio bursts from the T6 dwarf WISEP J112254.73+255021.5 and used the timing of these events to propose that this object rotates with an ultra-short period of ∼17.3 minutes. We conducted follow-up observations with the Very Large Array and Gemini-North but found no evidence for this periodicity. We do, however, observe variable, highly circularly polarized radio emission. Assuming that the radio emission of this T dwarf is periodically variable on ∼hour timescales, like other radio-active ultracool dwarfs, we infer a likely period of 116 minutes. However, our observation lasted only 162 minutes and so more data are needed to test this hypothesis. The handedness of the circular polarization switches twice and there is no evidence for any unpolarized emission component, the first time such a phenomenology has been observed in radio studies of very low-mass stars and brown dwarfs. We suggest that the object’s magnetic dipole axis may be highly misaligned relative to its rotation axis.

Stability of LevitronTM revisited

This note discusses some issues related to stability of stationary motion of hovering magnetized top in a homogeneous magnetic field. Stability of synchronous motion is analyzed using the simplified model in which the hovering motion of the center of mass is ignored. Stability boundaries are derived using Lyapunov direct method. In particular, it is shown that, for a given angle ? between magnetic moment dipole and principal axis of the top, there is an interval of stationary values of nutation angle ??0 for which the stationary synchronous motion is stable.

Gravitational waves from pulsars with measured braking index

We study the putative emission of gravitational waves (GWs) in particular for pulsars with measured braking index. We show that the appropriate combination of both GW emission and magnetic dipole brakes can naturally explain the measured braking index, when the surface magnetic field and the angle between the magnetic dipole and rotation axes are time dependent. Then we discuss the detectability of these very pulsars by aLIGO and the Einstein Telescope. We call attention to the realistic possibility that aLIGO can detect the GWs generated by at least some of these pulsars, such as Vela, for example.

OBSERVATION AND SIMULATION OF THE VARIABLE GAMMA-RAY EMISSION FROM PSR J2021+4026

ABSTRACT Pulsars are rapidly spinning and highly magnetized neutron stars, with highly stable rotational periods and a gradual spin-down over a long timescale due to the loss of radiation. Glitches refer to events that suddenly increase the rotational speed of a pulsar. The exact causes of glitches and the resulting processes are not fully understood. It is generally believed that couplings between the normal matter and superfluid components, and starquakes, are the common causes of glitches. In this study, one famous glitching pulsar, PSR J2021+4026, is investigated. PSR J2021+4026 is the first variable gamma-ray pulsar observed by Fermi. From gamma-ray observations, it is found that the pulsar experienced a significant flux drop, an increase in the spin-down rate, a change in the pulse profile and a shift in the spectral cut-off to a lower energy, simultaneously around 2011 October 16. To explain these effects on high-energy emissions by the glitch of PSR J2021+4026, we hypothesized the glitch to be caused by the rearrangement of the surface magnetic field due to crustal plate tectonic activities on the pulsar, which was triggered by a starquake. In this glitch event, the inclination angle of the magnetic dipole axis was slightly shifted. This proposition is then tested by numerical modeling using a three-dimensional two-layer outer gap model. The simulation results indicate that a modification of the inclination angle can affect the pulse profile and the spectral properties, which can explain the observation changes after the glitch.

Analyzing Damping Vibration Methods of Large-Size Space Vehicles in the Earth's Magnetic Field

It is known that most of today's space vehicles comprise large antennas, which are bracket-attached to the vehicle body. Dimensions of reflector antennas may be of 30 ... 50 m. The weight of such constructions can reach approximately 200 kg. Since the antenna dimensions are significantly larger than the size of the vehicle body and the points to attach the brackets to the space vehicles have a low stiffness, conventional dampers may be inefficient. The paper proposes to consider the damping antenna in terms of its interaction with the Earth's magnetic field. A simple dynamic model of the space vehicle equipped with a large-size structure is built. The space vehicle is a parallelepiped to which the antenna is attached through a beam. To solve the model problems, was used a simplified model of Earth's magnetic field: uniform, with intensity lines parallel to each other and perpendicular to the plane of the antenna. The paper considers two layouts of coils with respect to the antenna, namely: a vertical one in which an axis of magnetic dipole is perpendicular to the antenna plane, and a horizontal layout in which an axis of magnetic dipole lies in the antenna plane. It also explores two ways for magnetic damping of oscillations: through the controlled current that is supplied from the power supply system of the space vehicle, and by the self-induction current in the coil. Thus, four objectives were formulated. In each task was formulated an oscillation equation. Then a ratio of oscillation amplitudes and their decay time were estimated. It was found that each task requires the certain parameters either of the antenna itself, its dimensions and moment of inertia, or of the coil and, respectively, the current, which is supplied from the space vehicle. In each task for these parameters were found the ranges, which allow us to tell of efficient damping vibrations. The conclusion can be drawn based on the analysis of tasks that a specialized control system can be used for damping vibrations of large-size antennas. In this case the actuating elements can be coils. It is shown that efficient damping is possible when the certain system parameters are taken into consideration.

DEEPNuSTARANDSWIFTMONITORING OBSERVATIONS OF THE MAGNETAR 1E 1841−045

We report on a 350-ks NuSTAR observation of the magnetar 1E 1841-045 taken in 2013 September. During the observation, NuSTAR detected six bursts of short duration, with $T_{90}<1$ s. An elevated level of emission tail is detected after the brightest burst, persisting for $\sim$1 ks. The emission showed a power-law decay with a temporal index of 0.5 before returning to the persistent emission level. The long observation also provided detailed phase-resolved spectra of the persistent X-ray emission of the source. By comparing the persistent spectrum with that previously reported, we find that the source hard-band emission has been stable over approximately 10 years. The persistent hard X-ray emission is well fitted by a coronal outflow model, where $e^{+/-}$ pairs in the magnetosphere upscatter thermal X-rays. Our fit of phase-resolved spectra allowed us to estimate the angle between the rotational and magnetic dipole axes of the magnetar, $\alpha_{mag}=0.25$, the twisted magnetic flux, $2.5\times10^{26}\rm \ G\ cm^2$, and the power released in the twisted magnetosphere, $L_j=6\times10^{36}\rm \ erg\ s^{-1}$. Assuming this model for the hard X-ray spectrum, the soft X-ray component is well fit by a two-blackbody model, with the hotter blackbody consistent with the footprint of the twisted magnetic field lines on the star. We also report on the 3-year Swift monitoring observations obtained since 2011 July. The soft X-ray spectrum remained stable during this period, and the timing behavior was noisy, with large timing residuals.

Electromagnetic torques, precession and evolution of magnetic inclination of pulsars

We present analytic calculations of the electromagnetic torques acting on a magnetic neutron star rotating in vacuum, including near-zone torques associated with the inertia of dipole and quadrupole magnetic fields. We incorporate these torques into the rotational dynamics of a rigid-body neutron star, and show that the effects of the inertial torque can be understood as a modification of the moment of inertia tensor of the star. We apply our rotational dynamics equation to the Crab pulsar, including intrinsic distortions of the star and various electromagnetic torques, to investigate the possibility that the counter-alignment of the magnetic inclination angle, as suggested by recent observations, could be explained by pulsar precession. We find that if the effective principal axis of the pulsar is nearly aligned with either the magnetic dipole axis or the rotation axis, then precession may account for the observed counter-alignment over decade timescales. Over the spindown timescale of the pulsar, the magnetic inclination angle always decreases.

The origin of the frequency-dependent behaviour of pulsar radio profiles

We present further development of a pulsar emission model based on multiple streams diverging away from the magnetic dipole axis, and forming azimuthally-structured fan-shaped beams. It is shown that this geometry, successfully tested on profiles with bifurcated features, naturally solves several classical pulsar problems and avoids some difficulties of the traditional nested cone/core model. This is best visible for profiles with several components, such as those of class T, Q and M, because they most clearly exhibit a range of effects previously interpreted within the conal model. In particular, with no reference to the flaring boundary of the polar magnetic flux tube, the stream model explains the apparent radius-to-frequency mapping (RFM), including its reduced strength for the inner pair of components. The lag of the central component (apparent `core') with respect to the centroids of the flanking (`conal') components can also be naturally explained with no reference to emission rings located at disparate altitudes. The stream model also reveals why the millisecond pulsars, despite their more strongly flaring magnetic field lines, do not exhibit as strong RFM as the normal pulsars. The model is then successful in reproducing properties of so disparate objects as the M-class and millisecond pulsars, including some peculiarities of the latter. With no hesitation we, therefore, advance the view that pulsars have fan beams generated by outflowing streams, whereas the nested cone/core beams may well not exist at all.

ELECTRON-POSITRON FLOWS AROUND MAGNETARS

The twisted magnetospheres of magnetars must sustain a persistent flow of electron-positron plasma. The flow dynamics is controlled by the radiation field around the hot neutron star. The problem of plasma motion in the self-consistent radiation field is solved using the method of virtual beams. The plasma and radiation exchange momentum via resonant scattering and self-organize into the "radiatively locked" outflow with a well-defined, decreasing Lorentz factor. There is an extended zone around the magnetar where the plasma flow is ultra-relativistic; its Lorentz factor is self-regulated so that it can marginally scatter thermal photons. The flow becomes slow and opaque in an outer equatorial zone, where the decelerated plasma accumulates and annihilates; this region serves as a reflector for the thermal photons emitted by the neutron star. The e+- flow carries electric current, which is sustained by a moderate induced electric field. The electric field maintains a separation between the electron and positron velocities, against the will of the radiation field. The two-stream instability is then inevitable, and the induced turbulence can generate low-frequency emission. In particular, radio emission may escape around the magnetic dipole axis of the star. Most of the flow energy is converted to hard X-ray emission, which is examined in the accompanying paper.

AN ACCRETION MODEL FOR THE ANOMALOUS X-RAY PULSAR 4U 0142+61

We propose that the quiescent emission of AXPs/SGRs is powered by accretion from a fallback disk, requiring magnetic dipole fields in the range 10^{12}-10^{13} G, and that the luminous hard tails of their X-ray spectra are produced by bulk-motion Comptonization in the radiative shock near the bottom of the accretion column. This radiation escapes as a fan beam, which is partly absorbed by the polar cap photosphere, heating it up to relatively high temperatures. The scattered component and the thermal emission from the polar cap form a polar beam. We test our model on the well-studied AXP 4U 0142+61, whose energy-dependent pulse profiles show double peaks, which we ascribe to the fan and polar beams. The temperature of the photosphere (kT~0.4 keV) is explained by the heating effect. The scattered part forms a hard component in the polar beam. We suggest that the observed high temperatures of the polar caps of AXPs/SGRs, compared with other young neutron stars, are due to the heating by the fan beam. Using beaming functions for the fan beam and the polar beam and taking gravitational bending into account, we fit the energy-dependent pulse profiles and obtain the inclination angle and the angle between the spin axis and the magnetic dipole axis, as well as the height of the radiative shock above the stellar surface. We do not explain the high luminosity bursts, which may be produced by the classical magnetar mechanism operating in super-strong multipole fields.

The Induction of Electric Currents in a Conducting Spherical Cap with Geomagnetic Applications: A Semi-analytical Approach for the Axisymmetric Case

The objective is to introduce a semi-analytical method for solving axisymmetric problems of electromagnetic induction in thin spherical caps placed in a time-varying magnetic field due to an axial magnetic dipole or in a time-varying uniform axial magnetic field. This method provides approximate solutions to mathematically difficult mixed boundary-value problems governing the induction of electric currents in thin sheets, for arbitrary angles of the cap. Numerical results are given and discussed. The best approximations were obtained for sheets with integrated conductivity decreasing to zero towards the edge of the sheet. The case of uniform conductivity, characterized by weak singularities of the induced magnetic vector potential at the rim of the cap, yielded relatively large errors and is dealt with separately within an improved model. The method may be adequately extended to deal with other problems involving more complicated geometries, arbitrary electric conductivity distributions and inducing magnetic fields, in two or three dimensions, for various geophysical applications.

On the mean profiles of radio pulsars - I. Theory of propagation effects

We study the influence of propagation effects on the mean profiles of radio pulsars using the method of wave propagation in inhomogeneous media described by Kravtsov & Orlov. This approach allows us first to take into consideration the transition from geometrical optics to vacuum propagation, the cyclotron absorption and the wave refraction simultaneously. In addition, the non-dipole magnetic field configuration, the drift motion of plasma particles and their realistic energy distribution are taken into account. It is confirmed that, for ordinary pulsars (period P ∼ 1 s, surface magnetic field B0 ∼ 1012 G) and typical plasma generation near the magnetic poles (multiplicity parameter λ = ne/nGJ ∼ 103), the polarization is formed inside the light cylinder at a distance resc ∼ 1000 R from the neutron star, the circular polarization being 5–20 per cent which is in agreement with observational data. A one-to-one correspondence between the signs of circular polarization and position angle (PA) derivative along the profile for both ordinary and extraordinary waves is predicted. Using numerical integration we now can model the mean profiles of radio pulsars. It is shown that the standard S-shape form of the PA swing can be realized for small enough multiplicity λ and large enough bulk Lorentz factor γ only. It is also shown that the value of the maximum derivative of PA, which is often used for determination of the angle between magnetic dipole and rotation axis, depends on the plasma parameters and could differ from the rotation vector model (RVM) prediction.

Magnetopause energy transfer dependence on the interplanetary magnetic field and the Earth's magnetic dipole axis orientation

Abstract. We examine the spatial variation of magnetospheric energy transfer using a global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation (GUMICS-4) and a large data set of flux transfer events (FTEs) observed by the Cluster spacecraft. Our main purpose is to investigate whether it is possible to validate previous results on the spatial energy transfer variation from the GUMICS-4 simulation using the statistical occurrence of FTEs, which are manifestations of magnetospheric energy transfer. Previous simulation results have suggested that the energy transfer pattern at the magnetopause rotates according to the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientation, and here we investigate whether a similar rotation is seen in the locations at which FTE signatures are observed. We find that there is qualitative agreement between the simulation and observed statistics, as the peaks in both distributions rotate as a function of the IMF clock angle. However, it is necessary to take into account the modulation of the statistical distribution that is caused by a bias towards in situ FTE signatures being observed in the winter hemisphere (an effect that has previously been predicted and observed in this data set). Taking this seasonal effect into account, the FTE locations support the previous simulation results and confirm the earlier prediction that the energy transfers in the plane of the IMF. In addition, we investigate the effect of the dipole orientation (both the dipole tilt angle and its orientation in the plane perpendicular to the solar wind flow) on the energy transfer spatial distribution. We find that the energy transfer occurs mainly in the summer hemisphere, and that the dayside reconnection region is located asymmetrically about the subsolar position. Finally, we find that the energy transfer is 10% larger at equinox conditions than at solstice, contributing to the discussion concerning the semiannual variation of magnetospheric dynamics (known as "the Russell-McPherron effect").

Minute-scale period oscillations of the magnetosphere

Abstract. Oscillations with periods on the order of 5–10 min have been observed by instrumented spacecrafts in the Earth's magnetosphere. These oscillations often follow sudden impacts related to coronal mass ejections. It is demonstrated that a simple model is capable of explaining these oscillations and give a scaling law for their basic characteristics in terms of the basic parameters of the problem. The period of the oscillations and their anharmonic nature, in particular, are accounted for. The model has no free adjustable numerical parameters. The results agree well with observations. The analysis is supported by numerical simulations solving the Magneto-Hydro-Dynamic (MHD) equations in two spatial dimensions, where we let a solar wind interact with a magnetic dipole representing a magnetized Earth. We consider two tilt-angles of the magnetic dipole axis. We find the formation of a magnetosheath with the magnetopause at a distance corresponding well to the analytical results. Sudden pulses in the model solar wind sets the model magnetosphere into damped oscillatory motions and quantitatively good agreement with the analytical results is achieved.

3D modeling of new-generation (1999–2010) resistivity logging tools

Electromagnetic (EM) logging is an im-portant method of formation evaluation because of its sensitivity to resistivity, which is a function of fluid saturation and fluid properties. Conventional induction and propagation resistivity logging tools excite the geological formation by axial magnetic dipole transmitter(s). Axial re-ceivers measure the formation response, reflecting the medium resistivity. Such axial measurement has no azimuthal sensitivity and is insensitive to the anisotropy and many other details of the formation.

Polarization changes of pulsars due to wave propagation through magnetospheres

We study the propagation effects of radio waves in a pulsar magnetosphere, composed of relativistic electron-positron pair plasmas streaming along the magnetic field lines and corotating with the pulsar. We critically examine the various physical effects that can potentially influence the observed wave intensity and polarization, including resonant cyclotron absorption, wave mode coupling due to pulsar rotation, wave propagation through quasi-tangential regions (where the photon ray is nearly parallel to the magnetic field) and mode circularization due to the difference in the electron/positron density/velocity distributions. We numerically integrate the transfer equations for wave polarization in the rotating magnetosphere, taking account of all the propagation effects in a self-consistent manner. For typical magnetospheric plasma parameters produced by pair cascade, we find that the observed radio intensity and polarization profiles can be strongly modified by the propagation effects. For relatively large impact parameter (the minimum angle between the magnetic dipole axis and the line of sight), the polarization angle profile is similar to the prediction from the Rotating Vector Model, except for a phase shift and an appreciable circular polarization. For smaller impact parameter, the linear polarization position angle may exhibit a sudden $90^o$ jump due to the quasi-tangential propagation effect, accompanied by complex circular polarization profile. Some applications of our results are discussed, including the origin of non-gaussion pulse profiles, the relationship between the position angle profile and circular polarization in conal-double pulsars, and the orthogonal polarization modes.

UNTWISTING MAGNETOSPHERES OF NEUTRON STARS

Magnetospheres of neutron stars are anchored in the rigid crust and can be twisted by sudden crustal motions (starquakes). The twisted magnetosphere does not remain static and gradually untwists, dissipating magnetic energy and producing radiation. The equation describing this evolution is derived, and its solutions are presented. Two distinct regions coexist in untwisting magnetospheres: a potential region where curl(B)=0 (cavity) and a current-carrying bundle of field lines (j-bundle). The cavity has a sharp boundary, which expands with time and eventually erases all of the twist. In this process, the electric current of the j-bundle is sucked into the star. Observational appearance of the untwisting process is discussed. A hot spot forms at the footprints of the j-bundle. The spot shrinks with time toward the magnetic dipole axis, and its luminosity and temperature gradually decrease. As the j-bundle shrinks, the amplitude of its twist can grow to the maximum possible value ~ 1. The strong twist near the dipole axis increases the spindown rate of the star and can generate a broad beam of radio emission. The model explains the puzzling behavior of magnetar XTE J1810-197 -- a canonical example of magnetospheric evolution following a starquake. We also discuss implications for other magnetars. The untwisting theory suggests that the nonthermal radiation of magnetars is preferentially generated on a bundle of extended closed field lines near the dipole axis.

Analysis of the hydrogen-rich magnetic white dwarfs in the SDSS

We have calculated optical spectra of hydrogen-rich (DA) white dwarfs with magnetic field strengths between 1 MG and 1000 MG for temperatures between 7000 K and 50000 K. Through a least-squares minimization scheme with an evolutionary algorithm, we have analyzed the spectra of 114 magnetic DAs from the SDSS (95 previously published plus 14 newly discovered within SDSS, and five discovered by SEGUE). Since we were limited to a single spectrum for each object we used only centered magnetic dipoles or dipoles which were shifted along the magnetic dipole axis. We also statistically investigated the distribution of magnetic-field strengths and geometries of our sample.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL FEATURES OF THE OUTER HELIOSPHERE DUE TO COUPLING BETWEEN THE INTERSTELLAR AND INTERPLANETARY MAGNETIC FIELDS. III. THE EFFECTS OF SOLAR ROTATION AND ACTIVITY CYCLE

We investigate the effects of the 11 year solar cycle and 25 day rotation period of the Sun on the interaction of the solar wind (SW) with the local interstellar medium (LISM). Our models take into account the partially ionized character of the LISM and include momentum and energy transfer between the ionized and neutral components. We assume that the interstellar magnetic field vector belongs to the hydrogen deflection plane as discovered in the SOHO SWAN experiment. This plane is inclined at an angle of about 60° toward the ecliptic plane of the Sun, as suggested in recent publications relating the local interstellar cloud properties to the radio emission observed by Voyager 1. It is assumed that the latitudinal extent of the boundary between the slow and fast SW regions, as well as the angle between the Sun's rotation and magnetic-dipole axes, are periodic functions of time, while the polarity of the interstellar magnetic field changes sign every 11 years at the solar maximum. The global variation of the SW-LISM interaction pattern, the excursions of the termination shock and the heliopause, and parameter distributions in certain directions are investigated. The analysis of the behavior of the wavy heliospheric current sheet in the supersonic SW region shows the importance of neutral atoms on its dynamics.