Evolution of multipolar magnetic fields in isolated neutron stars and its effect on pulsar radio emission

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. Lower orders ($\le 25$) of multipole are seen to evolve in a manner similar to the dipole suggesting little or no evolution of the expected pulse shape. We also study the multifrequency polarization position angle traverse of PSR B0329+54 and find a significant frequency dependence above 2.7 GHz. We interpret this as an evidence of strong multipolar magnetic field present in the radio emission region.