The complex charm of the pulsar magnetosphere

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent self-consistent models of electron-positron cascades in pulsar polar caps, revealing that pulsar magnetospheres are more complex than previously thought.

Contribution

It introduces new insights into the complexity of pulsar magnetospheres based on advanced cascade modeling.

Findings

Magnetosphere complexity is greater than previously assumed.

Self-consistent cascade models provide new understanding.

Results suggest revisions to existing pulsar models.

Abstract

I give a brief overview of recent results from self-consistent modeling of electron-positrons cascades in pulsar polar caps. These results strongly suggest that the pulsar magnetosphere is a more complex system than was assumed before.