Long-term timing of the relativistic binary PSR J1906+0746

TL;DR

This study presents a 18-year timing analysis of the relativistic binary pulsar PSR J1906+0746, refining orbital parameters, testing general relativity, and suggesting the companion may be a fast-rotating white dwarf based on observed spin-orbit coupling effects.

Contribution

The paper provides the most precise measurements of orbital parameters for PSR J1906+0746 and explores the nature of its companion, including potential evidence for a white dwarf companion due to spin-orbit coupling.

Findings

Refined measurements of orbital parameters and relativistic effects.

Detection of a large pulsar glitch near MJD 56664.

Indications that the companion may be a massive, fast-rotating white dwarf.

Abstract

We conducted a timing analysis of over 18 years of data on the young ($\tau_{\rm c} = 112$ kyr, $P = 114$\,ms) relativistic binary PSR~J1906+0746, using six radio telescopes: Arecibo, FAST, Green Bank, Lovell, MeerKAT, and Nan\c{c}ay. This pulsar is known to orbit a compact high-mass companion with a period of 3.98\,hrs in a mildly eccentric orbit ($e = 0.085$). By combining all data and maintaining a coherent timing solution over the full span, we obtained a more precise measurement of the advance of periastron, $\dot{\omega} = 7.5841(2)$\,$\deg$\,yr$^{-1}$, the Einstein delay, $\gamma = 4.59(2) \times 10^{-4}$\,s, and the secular change in orbital period, $\dot{P}_{\rm b} = -5.65(2) \times 10^{-13}$\,s\,s$^{-1}$. Assuming the validity of general relativity, we obtain a total mass of 2.6133(1)\,$M_{\odot}$ and component masses of 1.316(5) $M_{\odot}$ for the pulsar and 1.297(5) $M_{\odot}$ for the companion, consistent with a double neutron star system. However, when fitting for the secular change in the projected semi-major axis we obtain $\dot{x} = -1.8(6) \times 10^{-13}$\,s\,s$^{-1}$, the component masses are shifted by $\sim 3.5\sigma$, which is expected from the correlation of $\dot{x}$ and $\gamma$. The $\dot{x}$ has a similar magnitude to that observed in PSR~J1141$-$6545, which is due to spin-orbit coupling; if confirmed, it would indicate that, as in the latter system, the companion of the PSR~J1906+0746 system is a massive fast-rotating white dwarf formed before the pulsar. Additionally, we report and characterize a large glitch near MJD 56664, with a fractional frequency increase comparable to those observed in the Vela pulsar.