EDP Sciences Journals List
Advanced Search
Subscriber Authentication Point
Home All issues Volume 500/2 Article
Free access article

Issue A&A
Volume 500, Number 2, June III 2009
Page(s) 861 - 865
Section Stellar structure and evolution
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200911648
Published online 29 April 2009

A&A 500, 861-865 (2009)
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/200911648

The emission polarization of RX J1856.5-3754

N. Chkheidze

Tbilisi State University, Chavchavadze Avenue 3, 0128, Tbilisi, Georgia
    e-mail: n.chkheidze@gmail.com

Received 12 January 2009 / Accepted 18 March 2009

Abstract
The polarization properties of RX J1856.5-3754 are investigated, based on the plasma emission model presented in previous works. It is shown that if the emission of this source is generated by the synchrotron mechanism, then the X-ray and the optical emission should be linearly polarized and the corresponding degrees of linear polarization are calculated. The change of the position angle through the observable period is investigated. According to the model, the position angle should undergo a full-circle rotation more than once within this period. This unusual behaviour of the position angle is a prediction of the model and its detection would be a strong argument in favour of it. The measurement of the polarization patterns of this source appears to be the most reliable way to make clear its real emission nature.


Key words: stars: pulsars: individual: RX J1856.5-3754 -- radiation mechanisms: non-thermal -- polarization



© ESO 2009


What is OpenURL?

The OpenURL standard is a protocol for transmission of metadata describing the resource that you wish to access. An OpenURL link contains article metadata and directs it to the OpenURL server of your choice. The OpenURL server can provide access to the resource and also offer complementary services (specific search engine, export of references...). The OpenURL link can be generated by different means.
  • If your librarian has set up your subscription with an OpenURL resolver, OpenURL links appear automatically on the abstract pages.
  • You can define your own OpenURL resolver with your EDPS Account. In this case your choice will be given priority over that of your library.
  • You can use an add-on for your browser (Firefox or I.E.) to display OpenURL links on a page (see http://www.openly.com/openurlref/). You should disable this module if you wish to use the OpenURL server that you or your library have defined.