Timing Binary and Millisecond Pulsars

Abstract

This tutorial lecture outlines the essentials of making and analyzing timing observations of binary and millisecond pulsars. Many of the necessary procedures are, of course, similar to those used for slow, single pulsars. However, achieving the best attainable timing accuracy for millisecond pulsars requires much tighter tolerances on observing and data-processing procedures, and the presence of orbital motion qualitatively complicates both data acquisition and analysis. In return for adequate diligence in these matters, an observer gains access to a much richer set of measurables than are available for ordinary pulsars. Binary pulsars provide the only experimental handles on the masses of non-accreting neutron stars, and the parameters of their orbits and characteristics of their companion stars provide unique clues on the origin and evolution of the systems. In the most favorable circumstances, significant tests of fundamental physical laws are even possible. Timing data on millisecond pulsars turns out to be valuable for other reasons as well: because they are extremely stable clocks, these objects provide exquisite tools for a wide range of studies in fundamental astrometry, cosmology, gravitation physics, and metrology.