Investigating the high-energy gamma ray emission from the Vela pulsar as curvature and synchro-curvature emission.

Project Description:

Pulsars are rapidly rotating, highly magnetized neutron stars that emit pulsed radiation across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Despite advances in space-based and ground-based Cherenkov instruments operating in the high to very-high energy bands, our understanding of the local environments of these extreme astrophysical objects, i.e., specifically their magnetospheres, electrodynamics, and particle physics, remains incomplete. This study investigates the high-energy curved spectrum of the Vela pulsar using observational data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) and H.E.S.S. II. It addresses the ongoing debate regarding the dominant mechanism responsible for pulsed GeV gamma-ray emission from pulsars, comparing curvature and synchro-curvature (SC) radiation, which may occur in the current sheet. Recognizing the complex magnetic field structure of pulsar magnetospheres that leads to a spatially varying perpendicular B-field (B⊥), we will conduct a comparative analysis of these emission mechanisms. Starting with the single-particle case, we will predict energy-dependent light curves and phase-averaged spectra within a global force-free magnetic field configuration that inherently features this varying B⊥. By analysing how these B⊥-variations influence the emitted radiation, the study aims to differentiate between emission mechanisms and provide a more realistic explanation for the Vela pulsar's high-energy emission, thereby contributing to a better understanding of pulsar magnetospheres. The student is expected to do the project independently, i.e., a background study, generating results, report writing, present the project, and plan time wisely. The supervisor is available during the course of the project to assist with planning, having discussions for explaining material or answer questions related to the project, and preparing the student for the presentation.

Research Area:

Astrophysics

Project Level:

Honours

This Project Is Offered At The Following Node(s):

(NWU)

Special Requirements:

The student should have a B.Sc. degree in physics, mathematics, programming, or other related fields, as well as a basic knowledge of programming in Python, C, or C++, or be willing to learn.