The complex polarization angles of radio pulsars: orthogonal jumps and interstellar scattering

TL;DR

This paper explains deviations in pulsar polarization angles by combining the rotating vector model, intrinsic orthogonal modes, and interstellar scattering, supported by simulations to understand polarization variations.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive explanation for polarization angle deviations in pulsars, integrating multiple effects and using simulations to explore their combined impact.

Findings

Simulations demonstrate the effects of interstellar scattering on polarization angles.

The model accounts for orthogonal jumps in polarization data.

Potential methods to determine scattering parameters are discussed.

Abstract

Despite some success in explaining the observed polarisation angle swing of radio pulsars within the geometric rotating vector model, many deviations from the expected S-like swing are observed. In this paper we provide a simple and credible explanation of these variations based on a combination of the rotating vector model, intrinsic orthogonally polarized propagation modes within the pulsar magnetosphere and the effects of interstellar scattering. We use simulations to explore the range of phenomena that may arise from this combination, and briefly discuss the possibilities of determining the parameters of scattering in an effort to understand the intrinsic pulsar polarization.