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M.B. McGarry (Chandra X-Ray Center), J.S. Heyl (University of British Columbia)
We explore the possible initial conditions and evolutionary tracks that give rise to accreting millisecond x-ray pulsars with low mass companions. With five specimens discovered since 1998, this type of millisecond pulsar is rapidly gaining stature as its own sub-class of low mass x-ray binary. Their relative scarcity implies that the pulsars are in a transient state brought about by a limited range of initial conditions. We apply a binary stellar evolution program to these initial conditions to examine the progression of the accreting millisecond pulsar to its present state. The detailed numerical simulation code combines binary interactions with thin layer integration of stellar structure to create state-of-the-art calculations of the evolution of these systems. We also examine the relationship of these objects to the black widow pulsars.
Support for M.B.M. provided in part through the Chandra X-Ray Observatory Center, operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, under NASA Contract NAS8-39073.
J.S.H. is a Chandra fellow and a Canada Research Chair. Support for J.S.H. was provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration through Chandra Postdoctoral Fellowship Award Number PF0-10015 issued by the Chandra X-ray Observatory Center, which is operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory for and on behalf of NASA under contract NAS8-39073.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35#5
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.