Detection of precessing circumpulsar disks

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential for detecting precessing circumpulsar disks via gravitational waves, proposing that future space interferometers could observe these phenomena, which are difficult to detect electromagnetically.

Contribution

It introduces the idea that gravitational wave detection could reveal precessing circumpulsar disks, providing a new observational method beyond electromagnetic signals.

Findings

Gravitational waves from precessing disks could be detectable by future space interferometers.

Detection sensitivity depends on the distance from the Solar System.

Upper limits on detection rates are discussed.

Abstract

Experimental evidences indicate that formations of disks and planetary systems around pulsars are allowed. Unfortunately, direct detections through electromagnetic observations appear to be quite rare. In the case of PSR 1931+24, the hypothesis of a rigid precessing disk penetrating the pulsar light cylinder is found consistent with radio transient observations from this star. Disk self-occultation and precession may limit electromagnetic observations. Conversely, we show here that gravitational waves generated by disk precessing near the light cylinder of young and middle aged pulsars would be detected by future space interferometers with sensitivities like those expected for DECIGO (DECI-hertz Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory) and BBO (Big Bang Observer). The characteristics of circumpulsar detectable precessing disks are estimated as a function of distance from the Solar System. Speculations on upper limits to detection rates are presented.