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[36.07] The High Resolution X-ray Spectrum of PSR 0656+14

H.L. Marshall, N.S. Schulz, C.R. Canizares (MIT CSR)

We present the high resolution X-ray spectrum of the isolated pulsar, PSR 0656+14, obtained with the Chandra Low Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer. No narrow absorption features are detected in the pulse-averaged spectrum as might be observed from a highly magnetized atmosphere consisting primarily of Fe. We assess the possibility that narrow features are broadened by a combination of pulsar rotation and line shifts as different magnetic field geometries are viewed. The overall shape of the spectrum is consistent with a black body but there are significant departures from this shape. We will discuss the possible origins of these deviations in the context of a polar cap model and examine possible constituents of the atmosphere. Pulsations were readily detected in the zeroth order image and the pulse profile is not strictly periodic, as previously observed. We examine evidence for pulse phase shifts as a function of energy. No extended emission is detected that might be associated with a synchrotron wind nebula.

This work was funded in part by contracts NAS8-39073 and SAO SV1-61010.

The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: hermanm@space.mit.edu