A novel mechanism for creating double pulsars

Steinn Sigurdsson, Lars Hernquist

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Simulations of encounters between pairs of hard binaries, each containing a neutron star and a mainsequence star, reveal a new formation mechanism for double pulsars in dense cores of globular clusters. In many cases, the two normal stars are disrupted to form a common envelope around the pair of neutron stars, both of which will be spun up to become millisecond pulsars. We predict that a new class of pulsars, double millisecond pulsars, will be discovered in the cores of dense globular clusters. The genesis proceeds through a short-lived double-core common envelope phase, with the envelope ejected in a fast wind. It is possible that the progenitor may also undergo a double X-ray binary phase. Any circular, short-period double pulsar found in the galaxy would necessarily come from disrupted disk clusters, unlike Hulse-Taylor class pulsars or low-mass X-ray binaries which may be ejected from clusters or formed in the galaxy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)L93-L96
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume401
Issue number2 PART 2
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 20 1992

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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