Description
Book SynopsisThis book presents the theory of the electrodynamic phenomena which occur in the magnetosphere of a pulsar. It also provides a clear picture of the formation and evolution of neutron stars. The authors address the basic physical processes of electron-positron plasma production, the generation of electric fields and currents, and the emission of radio waves and gamma rays. The book also reviews observational data, and devotes a complete chapter to a detailed comparison of this data with accepted theory and with some recent theoretical predictions. Tables containing the values of the physical parameters of all observed radio pulsars are also provided. The book is illustrated throughout and is fully referenced. Graduate students and researchers in astrophysics and plasma physics working in the field of radio pulsars will find this book of great value.
Trade Review'I hope that other plasma physicists will take up the story; if they do, they should start with this seminal work.' The Observatory
'… accessible for students in their 3rd year and also researchers in astrophysics and plasma physics.' La Recherche
'… an important contribution to the literature and will be an essential addition to the libraries of all those active in either observations or modeling of pulsars.' American Review of Science
Table of ContentsIntroduction; List of notation; Constants and quantities; 1. Basic observational characteristics of radio pulsars; 2. Neutron stars; 3. Physical processes in the pulsar magnetosphere; 4. Electrodynamics of the pulsar magnetosphere; 5. Generation of electron-positron plasma in the pulsar magnetosphere; 6. Pulsar radio emission; 7. Comparison of theory with observational data; Conclusion; Appendix; References; Additional literature; Author index; Subject index.
