Gamma-Ray Pulsar Studies with GLAST

TL;DR

The paper discusses how the GLAST LAT instrument will significantly advance gamma-ray pulsar research by detecting many new pulsars and providing detailed measurements, thereby testing and refining theoretical models.

Contribution

It introduces the capabilities of the GLAST LAT instrument for gamma-ray pulsar studies, highlighting its improved sensitivity and potential for discovering new pulsars and detailed spectral analysis.

Findings

GLAST LAT will detect dozens to hundreds of new gamma-ray pulsars.

It will measure luminosities, light curves, and phase-resolved spectra with high resolution.

Potential to discover radio-quiet pulsars like Geminga.

Abstract

Some pulsars have their maximum observable energy output in the gamma-ray band, offering the possibility of using these high-energy photons as probes of the particle acceleration and interaction processes in pulsar magnetospheres. After an extended hiatus between satellite missions, the recently-launched AGILE mission and the upcoming Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) Large Area Telescope (LAT) will allow gamma-ray tests of the theoretical models developed based on past discoveries. With its greatly improved sensitivity, better angular resolution, and larger energy reach than older instruments, GLAST LAT should detect dozens to hundreds of new gamma-ray pulsars and measure luminosities, light curves, and phase-resolved spectra with unprecedented resolution. It will also have the potential to find radio-quiet pulsars like Geminga, using blind search techniques. Cooperation with radio and X-ray pulsar astronomers is an important aspect of the LAT team's planning for pulsar studies.