Parkes observations for project P995 semester 2018OCTS_17

We propose to perform observations of the very young pulsar PSR B0540–69 in the Large Magellanic Cloud to detect pulsed flux from this traditionally radio-quiet source. We are motivated to do so due to a relatively recent X-ray observation of a 36% change in its spin down rate, thought to be due to a state change in its magnetospheric processes. There is reason to believe this may be accompanied by an increase in pulsed flux, as has been seen in intermittent pulsar behaviour, for example. Additionally, PSR B0540–69 is known to emit giant pulses, one of only a small number of pulsars to do so. With the new Ultra Wideband Low-frequency (UWL) receiver system, we will be able to conduct the highest sensitivity observations of this source yet achieved at radio wavelengths. A successful detection of pulsed flux will provide important insight into the magnetospheric evolution and behaviour in this pulsar, and a better understanding of how its glitch behaviour may influence its emission. Even without such a detection, we will be able to study the giant pulse behaviour of PSR B0540–69 with unprecedented sensitivity.

本研究拟对大麦哲伦星系（Large Magellanic Cloud）内的年轻脉冲星PSR B0540–69开展观测，以期在这一传统射电宁静源中探测到脉冲辐射流量。开展此项观测的核心动机源于近期一项X射线观测结果：该脉冲星的自转减慢速率出现36%的变化，学界普遍认为这一现象源于其磁层活动过程。此外，有理由推测此类状态改变或伴随脉冲辐射流量的提升——正如在间歇性脉冲星观测行为中所观察到的典型案例。此外，PSR B0540–69是已知可发射巨脉冲的少数脉冲星之一。借助全新的超宽带低频（Ultra Wideband Low-frequency, UWL）接收系统，本研究将实现该源在射电波段迄今最高灵敏度的观测。若成功探测到脉冲辐射流量，将为阐明该脉冲星的磁层演化与活动行为提供关键认知，并深化对其自转突跳（glitch）行为如何影响辐射特性的理解。即便未能实现脉冲辐射流量的探测，本研究仍将以前所未有的灵敏度开展对PSR B0540–69巨脉冲行为的研究。