Gamma Ray Pulsars: Multiwavelength Observations

TL;DR

This paper reviews multiwavelength observations of gamma-ray pulsars, highlighting their emission characteristics and discussing how upcoming telescopes like GLAST will enhance understanding of these neutron stars.

Contribution

It synthesizes current observational data and theoretical models of gamma-ray pulsars, emphasizing the potential of future telescopes to advance the field.

Findings

Gamma-ray pulsars often show double-peak light curves.

Gamma rays are typically the dominant emission component.

Spectra indicate a high-energy turnover.

Abstract

High-energy gamma rays are a valuable tool for studying particle acceleration and radiation in the magnetospheres of energetic pulsars. The seven or more pulsars seen by instruments on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) show that: the light curves usually have double-peak structures (suggesting a broad cone of emission); gamma rays are frequently the dominant component of the radiated power; and all the spectra show evidence of a high-energy turnover. For all the known gamma-ray pulsars, multiwavelength observations and theoretical models based on such observations offer the prospect of gaining a broad understanding of these rotating neutron stars. The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST), now in planning for a launch in 2007, will provide a major advance in sensitivity, energy range, and sky coverage.