An XMM-Newton Observation of the Drifting Pulsar B0943+10

摘要: Radio pulsar subpulse drifting has been interpreted as rotation of subbeams (sparks) pair plasma produced by intermittent breakdowns an inner vacuum gap above the polar cap. This model also predicts strong thermal X-ray emission from cap caused inflowing particles created in spark discharges. We have observed best-studied B0943+10 with XMM-Newton and detected a point source coincident radio position. Its spectrum could be fitted blackbody model, although power-law is acceptable. The fit gives bolometric luminosity Lbol ≈ 5 × 1028 ergs s-1 surface area A 103(T/3 MK)-4 m2, much smaller than conventional area, 6 104 m2. Such radiation can emitted footprints sparks height h ~ (0.1-0.2)rpc, where rpc radius. However, original Ruderman & Sutherland requires some modification to reconcile data.