Frequency- and phase-resolved polarimetry of millisecond pulsars and its application to timing

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new polarimetric technique for millisecond pulsar timing that improves measurement precision by utilizing all polarization data and models pulse-shape evolution, aiding gravitational wave detection and neutron star studies.

Contribution

It presents a novel frequency- and phase-resolved polarimetric method that enhances pulsar timing accuracy using comprehensive polarization information.

Findings

Timing uncertainties reduced by 20-30%

First phase- and frequency-resolved polarimetric measurements of millisecond pulsars

Method improves template creation for pulsar timing

Abstract

Pulsar timing is used for a variety of applications including tests of fundamental physics, probing the structure of neutron stars, and detecting nanohertz gravitational waves. Development of robust methods and generation of high-quality timing data is therefore of utmost importance. In this paper, we present a new technique for creating high-fidelity templates that can be used to measure the pulse times of arrival with significantly increased precision compared to existing methods. Our framework makes use of all available polarimetric information to generate frequency-dependent models of pulse-shape evolution of all four Stokes parameters. We apply this method to millisecond pulsars observed by the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array and show that it results in timing measurement uncertainties reduced up to $\sim$20-30%. We also present, for the first time, phase- and frequency-resolved polarimetric measurements of millisecond pulsars observed with the Parkes Murriyang ultra-widebandwith-low receiver. The data, plots and the code underlying this analysis are made publicly available.