Searching for thermal emission from nearby high magnetic field radio pulsars

A major open issue in neutron star astrophysics is the connection between highmagnetic field radio pulsars (HBRP), isolated neutron stars (INS), andmagnetars. It is unclear why young HBRPs do not exhibit magnetarlike emission,and how INSs are related to both populations. We propose to observe threenearby, HBRPs to search for thermal emission from their surface. This emissionis predicted to be observable if dominated by magnetic field decay. The pulsarshave small distances and are regions of low interstellar absorption, offering usa rare opportunity to detect this emission or place strong constraints on itspresence. We will then be able to test whether there are overlapping radiativeproperties from the HBRPs to magnetars, or whether they really are two distinct classes. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]