Subpulse Drifting, Nulling and Mode changing in PSR J1822$-$2256

TL;DR

This study provides a detailed analysis of the complex single pulse behaviors of pulsar J1822-2256, revealing multiple emission modes, nulling, and drifting patterns that offer insights into pulsar emission physics.

Contribution

It is the first detailed observational report of multiple drifting modes, nulling, and mode transitions in pulsar J1822-2256, highlighting its diverse emission behaviors.

Findings

Presence of multiple emission modes with distinct drifting patterns

Nulling occurs frequently and exhibits periodicity

Mode transitions are associated with changes in drifting periodicity

Abstract

We report a detailed observational study of the single pulses from the pulsar J1822$-$2256. The pulsar shows the presence of subpulse drifting, nulling as well as multiple emission modes. During these observations the pulsar existed primarily in two modes; mode A with prominent drift bands and mode B which was more disorderly without any clear subpulse drifting. A third mode C was also seen for a short duration with a different drifting periodicity compared to mode A. The nulls were present throughout the observations but were more frequent during the disorderly B mode. The nulling also exhibited periodicity with a clear peak in the fluctuation spectra. Before the transition from mode A to nulling the pulsar switched to a third drifting state with periodicity different from both mode A and C. The diversity seen in the single pulse behaviour of the pulsar J1822$-$2256 provides an unique window into the emission physics.