On the Diversity of Pulsar's Frequency-Dependent Circular Polarization

TL;DR

This study investigates the diversity of pulsar single-pulse circular polarization using mode coupling models and Bayesian analysis of FAST telescope data to constrain plasma parameters.

Contribution

It applies a Bayesian approach to pulsar polarization spectra, constraining plasma multiplicity and Lorentz factors, and explores wave mode coupling as a polarization mechanism.

Findings

Model reproduces frequency evolution of circular polarization.

Constraints on plasma multiplicity (~10^0 to 10^2) and Lorentz factor (~10^0.5 to 10^2).

Wave mode coupling can induce pulsar circular polarization.

Abstract

The nature of coherent radio emission is still challenging even after more than half a century of pulsar discovery, but it is generally a consensus that single-pulse observations are essential for probing the magnetospheric dynamics, especially with the largest single-dish telescope FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope). This paper aims to explain the observed diversity of single pulse circular polarization, and to constrain the multiplicity and Lorentz factor of pulsar magnetospheric plasma, with the mode coupling model in the limiting polarization region. Assuming that circular polarization comes only from wave mode coupling, we apply a Bayesian analysis to the FAST observed single pulse circular polarization spectra, involving numerical solving of wave mode coupling equations, and analyze the posterior probability distribution functions of the parameters. Although the model fails to quantitatively fit most circular polarization spectra, circular polarization of different frequency evolution is reproduced. For three chosen pulsars, the Bayesian analysis constrains the multiplicity to be approximately $10^{0}\sim10^{2}$, and the Lorentz factor to be approximately $10^{0.5}\sim10^{2}$. Pulsar circular polarization could be induced by wave mode coupling. The plasma flow responsible for coherent radio emission carries only a very small fraction of the pulsar spin-down energy loss.