Pulsar polarization: a broad-band population view with the Parkes Ultra-Wideband receiver

The radio polarization properties of the pulsar population are only superficially captured by the conventional picture of pulsar radio emission. We study the broadband polarization of 271 young radio pulsars, focusing particularly on circular polarization, using high-quality observations made with the Ultra-Wideband Low receiver on Murriyang, the Parkes radio telescope. We seek to encapsulate polarization behaviour on a population scale by defining broad categories for frequency-and phase-dependent polarization evolution, studying the co-occurrences of these categorizations and comparing them with average polarization measurements and spin-down energy (E?). This work shows that deviations of the linear polarization position angle from the rotating vector model are linked to the presence of circular polarization features and to frequency evolution of the polarization. Polarization fraction, circular polarization contribution, and profile complexity all evolve with E? across the population, with the profiles of high-E? pulsars being simple and highly linearly polarized. The relationship between polarization fraction and circular contribution is also seen to evolve such that highly polarized profiles show less variation in circular contribution with frequency than less strongly polarized profiles. This evolution is seen both across the population and across frequency for individual sources. Understanding pulsar radio polarization requires detailed study of individual sources and collective understanding of population-lev el trends. F or the former, we provide visualizations of their phase-and frequenc y-resolv ed polarization parameters. For the latter, we have highlighted the importance of including the impact of circular polarization and of E? .

Automated summary

This study examines the broadband polarization of 271 young radio pulsars, with a focus on circular polarization. Through defining categories for frequency- and phase-dependent polarization evolution, the researchers investigate the relationship between deviations of linear polarization position angle, circular polarization features, and frequency evolution of polarization. The study also demonstrates the evolution of polarization fraction, circular polarization contribution, and profile complexity with spin-down energy (E?).