Pulsar activity and supernova remnant morphology

Abstract

The recently introduced concept of a window of magnetic field strengths in which pulsars can be active is used to explain the variation in morphology of supernova remnants. Neutron stars created with field strengths of a value permitting pulsar activity result in particle production and Crab-like, centrally-concentrated remnants. Other field values lead to strong magnetic dipole radiation and consequent shell formation, e.g., Cas A.