Pulsar polarization: a partial-coherence model

The population of radio pulsars is observed to demonstrate certain polarization properties not explained by the conventional picture of pulsar polarization, namely frequency evolution of polarization, deviations of the linear polarization angle from a curve of geometric origins, and the presence of features in the circular polarization. We present the partial-coherence model as a way to explain the co-occurrence of these features and to provide an origin for circular polarization in radio pulsar profiles. We describe the mathematics of the model and demonstrate how it can explain these observed features, both on a population level and for the idiosyncrasies of individual pulsars. The partial coherence model can account for complex polarization behaviour, enabling improved access to information about pulsar geometries. We discuss the scientific implications of this for our understanding of pulsar radio emission and propagation.

Automated summary

The conventional model of pulsar polarization fails to explain certain properties observed in the population of radio pulsars, such as frequency evolution of polarization, deviations in linear polarization angles, and presence of circular polarization features. To address this, the partial-coherence model is presented as an explanation for the co-occurrence of these features and a source of circular polarization in radio pulsar profiles. The mathematical principles and its ability to explain observed features on both population and individual pulsar level are described, highlighting its importance in understanding pulsar geometries and radio emission.