Detecting X-ray pulses from millisecond pulsars in the globular cluster 47 Tuc
Abstract
We propose to observe the Galactic globular cluster 47 Tucanae with the pn in timing mode to detect the pulsations from the eight brightest millisecond pulsars in this cluster. This will double the number of millisecond pulsars for which radio and X-ray phase-folded lightcurves exist. XMM-Newton is the only observatory with sufficient collecting area and high enough timing resolution to detect these pulsars and to obtain lightcurves of these faint objects. We will use the absolute phase folded lightcurves to discriminate between differing models for the high energy emission such as the polar cap, slot gap or outer gap models. These data will also allow us to examine how the magnetic field evolves when millisecond pulsars are formed.
- Publication:
-
XMM-Newton Proposal
- Pub Date:
- October 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011xmm..prop..194W
- Keywords:
-
- White Dwarf Binaries;
- Neutron Star Binaries;
- Cataclysmic Variables;
- ULXs;
- Black Holes;
- 47 Tuc;
- 47 Tuc