The Magnetar Connection

TL;DR

This paper explores the evolution of magnetic fields and spin periods in magnetars and high magnetic field radio pulsars, proposing a simple model to understand their long-term behavior and potential evolutionary links.

Contribution

It introduces a model of ohmic magnetic field dissipation to analyze the evolutionary paths of magnetars and high-B pulsars in the P$_s$-B$_s$ plane.

Findings

Magnetars and high-B pulsars may evolve into each other through magnetic field decay.

The study identifies regions in the P$_s$-B$_s$ plane where these objects are likely to transition.

Some neutron stars could cross the death-line and become radio-quiet.

Abstract

We investigate the combined evolution of the dipolar surface magnetic field (B$_{s}$) and the spin-period (P$_s$) of known magnetars and high magnetic field (B$_s$ $ \gtrsim 10^{13}$~G) radio pulsars. We study the long term behaviour of these objects assuming a simple ohmic dissipation of the magnetic field. Identifying the regions (in the P$_s$-B$_s$ plane) in which these neutron stars would likely move into, before crossing the death-line to enter the pulsar graveyard, we comment upon the possible connection between the magnetars and other classes of neutron stars.