Spin-Kick Correlation in Neutron Stars: Alignment Conditions and Implications
Abstract
Recent observations of pulsar wind nebulae and radio polarization profiles revealed a tendency of the alignment between the spin and velocity directions in neutron stars. We study the condition for spin-kick alignment using a toy model, in which the kick consists of many off-centered, randomly-oriented thrusts. Both analytical considerations and numerical simulations indicate that spin-kick alignment cannot be easily achieved if the proto-neutron star does not possess some initial angular momentum, contrary to some previous claims. To obtain the observed spin-kick misalignment angle distribution, the initial spin period of the neutron star must be smaller than the kick timescale. Typically, an initial period of a hundred milliseconds or less is required.
Cite
@article{arxiv.astro-ph/0607666,
title = {Spin-Kick Correlation in Neutron Stars: Alignment Conditions and Implications},
author = {Chen Wang and Dong Lai and JinLin Han},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:astro-ph/0607666},
year = {2008}
}
Comments
17 pages, 8 figures. Accepted by ApJ