Temporal correlations of radio signals from pulsar B0329+54

Project Description

Pulsars are rotating neutron stars that emit pulsed radiation primarily at radio frequencies, with each rotation corresponding to a single pulse. Individual pulses show dramatic behaviour and significant variation from one rotation to the next. In contrast, the average pulse profile, obtained by integrating hundreds of single pulses, remains remarkably stable over time, except during mode-changing events. This stability suggests the presence of an underlying stochastic process in the single pulses that repeats over time. Although correlations of single pulses across frequencies have been studied, temporal correlations among single pulses remain poorly understood. The aim of this project is to determine whether temporal correlations exist in single pulses. To address this question, single pulses from pulsar B0329+54 were recorded using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope across frequencies from 300 to 1460 MHz, divided into 13 time series at 13 frequencies. The procedure involves analysing each pulse series individually to search for correlations in time. If such correlations are detected, they may reveal a characteristic timescale of periodic behaviour in single-pulses of pulsar, providing insights into plasma processes within the pulsar magnetosphere.