Low Frequency Observations of Millisecond Pulsars with the WSRT

TL;DR

This study uses the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope to observe millisecond pulsars at low frequencies, demonstrating the potential for LOFAR to discover new pulsars and analyze existing ones with high sensitivity.

Contribution

It provides modern low-frequency observations of millisecond pulsars, highlighting the capabilities of current technology and prospects for LOFAR in pulsar research.

Findings

Successful detection of MSPs at 115-175 MHz

Analysis of fluxes, dispersion measures, and spectral indices

Discussion on LOFAR's potential for new MSP discoveries

Abstract

With LOFAR beginning operation in 2008 there is huge potential for studying pulsars with high signal to noise at low frequencies. We present results of observations made with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope to revisit, with modern technology, this frequency range. Coherently dedispersed profiles of millisecond pulsars obtained simultaneously between 115-175 MHz are presented. We consider the detections and non-detections of 14 MSPs in light of previous observations and the fluxes, dispersion measures and spectral indices of these pulsars. The excellent prospects for LOFAR finding new MSPs and studying the existing systems are then discussed in light of these results.