The spin evolution of young pulsars

TL;DR

This paper reviews the spin evolution of young pulsars, highlighting that their spin-down is not solely due to magnetic dipole radiation, and explores internal magnetic field emergence as a key factor.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of braking index measurements and proposes a new perspective involving internal magnetic field evolution to explain pulsar spin behavior.

Findings

Braking indices deviate from the magnetic dipole model

Pulsar evolution may involve internal magnetic field emergence

PSR J1734-3333's behavior links to magnetar evolution

Abstract

The current understanding of the spin evolution of young pulsars is reviewed through a compilation of braking index measurements. An immediate conclusion is that the spin evolution of all pulsars with a measured braking index is not purely caused by a constant magnetic dipole. The case of PSR J1734-3333 and its upward movement towards the magnetars is used as a guide to try to understand why pulsars evolve with n < 3. Evolution between different pulsar families, driven by the emergence of a hidden internal magnetic field, appears as one possible picture.