An Empirical Theory of Pulsar Emission

Abstract

A system of pulsar profile classification is used as a starting point to study the emission characteristics of pulsars. Two types or mechanisms of pulsar radiation are identified which combine geometrically to produce five major species of profile. The core emission, which forms a pencil beam of radiation, is apparently produced close to the stellar surface throughout the entire polar cap region by low γ particles. The conal emission, which consists of a hollow conical beam, then seems to be emitted at heights of 10 to 20 stellar radii by currents of high γ particles travelling along some of the most peripheral of the “open” field lines.