Inductive spikes and gamma-ray flares from the Crab Nebula

TL;DR

This paper proposes that abrupt reductions in pulsar wind mass-loading can produce high-energy gamma-ray flares in the Crab Nebula, explaining observed flaring activity through a novel particle acceleration mechanism.

Contribution

It introduces a new model linking wind mass-loading reductions to gamma-ray flares, applicable to the Crab Nebula and other pulsars.

Findings

Flares result from high Lorentz factor particles due to reduced wind mass-loading.

The mechanism explains the timing and intensity of observed gamma-ray flares.

Potential applicability to other pulsars with similar energetic phenomena.

Abstract

The ~400 MeV flaring emission from the Crab Nebula is naturally explained as the result of an abrupt reduction in the mass-loading of the pulsar wind. Very few particles are then available to carry the current required to maintain wave activity, causing them to achieve high Lorentz factors. When they penetrate the Nebula, a tightly beamed, high luminosity burst of hard gamma-rays results, with characteristics similar to the observed flares. This mechanism may operate in other powerful pulsars, such as J0537-6910 (PWN N 157B), B0540-69, B1957+20 and J0205+6449 (3C 58).