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A classification scheme for pulsars

Abstract

WE have already1 distinguished between three types of pulsars depending upon their mode of formation. Here we discuss some implications of this classification scheme. We suggest the nomenclature types L, S and D for the three types of pulsars. Type S (S for single) consists of pulsars formed as a result of supernova explosions of single stars. Types D and L refer to pulsars which come from massive close binary systems. Pulsars produced by supernova explosions in and leading to the disruption of the binaries belong to type D (D for disrupted), while the old, rejuvenated neutron stars liberated from binaries by the supernova explosions of the companion stars constitute type L (L for liberated). Type D consists of two subsets; a pulsar belongs to type D1 if its formation, accompanied by the disruption of the binary, is a result of the supernova explosion of the first (originally the more massive) star; to type D2, if a result of the supernova explosion of the second (originally the less massive) star. Thus type D1 pulsars are associated with OB runaways, while type D2 pulsars are associated with type L pulsars.

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KOCHHAR, R. A classification scheme for pulsars. Nature 270, 38–39 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/270038a0

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