Parkes observations for project P1238 semester 2025OCTS_09

Young and energetic pulsars can power pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe), which are observable across the electromagnetic spectrum from radio to X-rays. Occasionally, the origin of a PWNe is connected to the parent supernova remnants (SNR). The exceptional sensitivity and high resolution of next-generation radio surveys conducted with ASKAP and MeerKAT make them particularly effective in discovering diffuse and low surface brightness objects in our Galaxy, such as PWNe and SNRs. We can then use these PWN and SNR associations to guide our targeted search for radio pulsars. This strategy has proven successful with our recent discoveries of two high-dispersion measure (DM) pulsars powering a bow-shocked PWNe. Building on this success, we continue our search and have selected the most promising and scientifically compelling candidates for detailed follow-up investigation. We propose to use the Parkes Ultra-Wideband Low (UWL) receiver to conduct a targeted search for three pulsar candidates. Given that the pulsar candidates are embedded in SNRs and/or PWNe, located near the Galactic Plane, and may be at large distances, we expect them to have high DMs. High DMs result in scattering and pulse broadening, making them difficult to detect in conventional low-frequency pulsar surveys. The wide frequency coverage of UWL, particularly its high-frequency band (3-4 GHz), presents a unique opportunity to mitigate these effects and significantly enhance the detectability of distant, highly dispersed pulsars.