The X-Ray Structure and Spectrum of the Pulsar Wind Nebula Surrounding PSR B1853+01 in W44
Abstract
We present the result of a Chandra ACIS observation of the pulsar PSR B1853+01 and its associated pulsar wind nebula (PWN), embedded in the supernova remnant W44. A hard-band ACIS map cleanly distinguishes the PWN from the thermal emission of W44. The nebula is extended in the north-south direction, with an extent about half that of the radio emission. Morphological differences between the X-ray and radio images are apparent. Spectral fitting reveals a clear difference in spectral index between the hard emission from PSR B1853+01 (Γ~1.4) and the extended nebula (Γ~2.2). The more accurate values for the X-ray flux and spectral index are used to refine estimates for PWN parameters, including magnetic field strength, the average Lorentz factor γ of the particles in the wind, the magnetization parameter σ, and the ratio k of electrons to other particles.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- November 2002
- DOI:
- 10.1086/342672
- arXiv:
- arXiv:astro-ph/0207092
- Bibcode:
- 2002ApJ...579..404P
- Keywords:
-
- ISM: Individual: Alphanumeric: W44;
- Stars: Pulsars: Individual: Alphanumeric: PSR B1853+01;
- ISM: Supernova Remnants;
- X-Rays: General;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 10 pages, 3 figures, accepted by ApJ