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The Nature of AX J0051-733 in the SMC: A Pulsar Born with Ultrastrong Magnetic Field?

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Abstract

We investigate the nature of the pulsar of the Be/X-ray binary, AX J0051-733. Although the system has a very short orbital period, it meets the basic definition of Be/X-ray binaries. We argue that, in order to interpret such a short orbital period, the initial magnetic field strength of the pulsar must be between 4.2×1013–5×1015 G, if typical values of the parameters chosen. Thus, the pulsar was most likely born as a magnetar. We further suggest that magnetar descendants can also be found among the massive X-ray binaries with extremely short-orbit periods, in addition to among the X-ray binaries with very long pulse periods.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China

    Q. Z. Liu, J. Z. Yan & H. R. Hang

  2. Service d’Astrophysique / CEA-Saclay, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France

    Q. Z. Liu

  3. Department of Astronomy, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China

    X. D. Li

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  1. Q. Z. Liu
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  2. J. Z. Yan
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  3. X. D. Li
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  4. H. R. Hang
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Correspondence to Q. Z. Liu.

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Liu, Q.Z., Yan, J.Z., Li, X.D. et al. The Nature of AX J0051-733 in the SMC: A Pulsar Born with Ultrastrong Magnetic Field?. Astrophys Space Sci 305, 133–138 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-006-9050-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-006-9050-y

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