Evolution of the multipolar magnetic field in isolated neutron stars

Abstract

The evolution of the multipolar structure of the magnetic field of isolated neutron stars is studied assuming the currents to be confined to the crust. We find that, except for multipoles of very high order (l〉~25), the evolution is similar to that of a dipole. Therefore no significant evolution is expected in the pulse shape of isolated radio pulsars because of the evolution of the multipole structure of the magnetic field.