PDF 4396.pdf | Request a copy Full text restricted

Abstract

We report on the detection of giant pulses from the Crab Nebula pulsar at a frequency of 200 MHz using the field
deployment system designed for the MileuraWidefield Array’s Low Frequency Demonstrator (MWA-LFD). Our observations
are among the first high-quality detections at such low frequencies. The measured pulse shapes are deconvolved
for interstellar pulse broadening, yielding a pulse-broadening time of 670 100 s, and the implied strength
of scattering (scattering measure) is the lowest that is estimated toward the Crab Nebula from observations made so
far. The sensitivity of the system is largely dictated by the sky background, and our simple equipment is capable of
detecting pulses that are brighter than 9 kJy in amplitude. The brightest giant pulse detected in our data has a peak
amplitude of 50 kJy, and the implied brightness temperature is 1031.6 K.We discuss the giant pulse detection prospects
with the fullMWA-LFD system.With a sensitivity over 2 orders of magnitude larger than the prototype equipment,
the full system will be capable of detecting such bright giant pulses out to a wide range of Galactic distances;
from15 to30 kpc depending on the frequency. TheMWA-LFD will thus be a highly promising instrument for the
studies of giant pulses and other fast radio transients at low frequencies.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Bhat, NDR and Kocz, J and Lonsdale, CJ and Lynch, MJ and Stansby, B and Stevens, JB and Torr, G and Webster, RL and Wythe, JSB and Wayth, RB and Knight, HS and Bowman, JD and Oberoi, D and Barnes, DG and Briggs, FH and Cappallo, RJ and Herne, D
Journal or Publication Title:	The Astrophysical Journal
Publisher:	University of Chicago Press
ISSN:	0004-637X
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.1086/519444
Additional Information:	© 2007. The American Astronomical Society.
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

Actions (login required)

Item Control Page