Vol. 607
In section 2. Astrophysical processes

Dissipation of the striped pulsar wind

The formation and development of pulsar winds, and their associated energization and particle acceleration have been daunting theoretical problems for decades. This paper presents a massive, self-consistent calculation of the time development of the wind current sheet of a split dipole magnetic field extending from the neutron star surface. Reconnection is seen throughout the stripping, especially close to thelight cylinder. Trace particle trajectories are shown to illustrate thestochastic and bulk dynamics. Radial acceleration profiles are providedand, in one of the truly novel features of the paper, spectral emissivities, and pulse profiles and their fine structure are recoveredfrom the simulations.