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Chapter 7

Observing Known Pulsars

Opening Paragraph
Figures
Further Reading
Available Resources

Opening Paragraph

Once a pulsar has been discovered, it is subject to many different types of follow-up observations first in order to characterise its basic properties and later to study it in more detail. In this chapter, we discuss the most commonly used techniques necessary to carry out these observations. A fundamental procedure underpinning most pulsar observations is the synchronous averaging (folding) of the data at the pulse period. Following a description of this process, we discuss the various preliminary observations required to refine pulsar parameters for future observations. These amount basically to an optimisation of the pulse period, dispersion measure and position, as well as determining whether the pulsar is in a binary system. Then we discuss flux density and polarisation calibration procedures, before moving on to review the most commonly used modes of observation and data analyses: single-pulse studies, polarisation and Faraday rotation measurements, scintillation observations and measurements of neutral hydrogen absorption. Finally, some techniques to remove radio-frequency interference from the data are discussed.

Figures

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Further Reading

Available Resources

SIGPROC
Reference: Lorimer (2001), Arecibo Technical Memo #2001-01
SIGPROC on Duncan Lorimer's homepage.

PRESTO
Homepage
Reference: Ransom, S. M. (2001) - PhD Thesis, Harvard University
Contact Scott Ransom for details on using PRESTO for publications.

PSRCHIVE
Reference: Hotan, van Straten & Manchester (2004)

TEMPO
TEMPO Homepages: Princeton/ANTF. Includes manual and installation instructions.

Scripts still to be added

Last updated 12:40 24/11/2004