Radio polarization measurements from RRAT J1819-1458

TL;DR

This paper reports the first polarization measurements of radio emission from RRAT J1819-1458, revealing polarization properties similar to normal pulsars and providing insights into its emission geometry and magnetic environment.

Contribution

It provides the first polarization data for RRAT J1819-1458, comparing its properties with other neutron star populations and constraining its emission geometry.

Findings

Polarization characteristics resemble those of normal pulsars.

Integrated profile shows moderate to low linear polarization.

PA swing exhibits a smooth S-shape with orthogonal jumps.

Abstract

We present the first polarization measurements of the radio emission from RRAT J1819$-$1458. Our observations, conducted in parallel to regular timing sessions, have yielded a small number of bright and polarized pulses. The polarization characteristics and integrated profile resemble those of normal pulsars with average spin-down energy (Edot): moderate to low linear polarization in the integrated profile despite relatively high polarization in the individual pulses. On average, a small degree of circular polarization is also observed. The polarization position angle executes a remarkably smooth, steep S-shaped curve, interrupted by two orthogonal jumps. Based on the shape of the PA swing, we place some constraints on the emission geometry. We compare these polarization properties to those of other radio emitting neutron star populations, including young pulsars, pulsars with a high surface magnetic field and radio emitting magnetars. From the polarization measurements, the Faraday rotation measure of this RRAT is derived.