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| Paper: |
Formation and Evolution of Binary Millisecond Pulsars with Helium White Dwarf Companions |
| Volume: |
328, Binary Radio Pulsars |
| Page: |
243 |
| Authors: |
Nelson, L.A. |
| Abstract: |
Our current understanding of the formation and evolution of wide galactic binary millisecond pulsars (BMSPs) containing helium white dwarf (HeWD) companions is reviewed. The detailed evolution of progenitor systems containing (sub)giants that ultimately become HeWDs as a result of transferring most of their mass to their (accreting) neutron star companions is investigated. Given the recent determinations of reasonably precise values of the masses and effective temperatures of some HeWDs, it has become possible to test the theoretical models. Although there is good agreement between the model predictions and the observations, there are a number of discrepancies between the characteristic ages of pulsars (inferred from their spin-down times) compared to the cooling times of the HeWDs. The reasons for the discrepancies and possible resolutions are briefly discussed. The importance of the bifurcation limit is also emphasized and the conditions leading to the formation and evolution of ultracompact systems is examined. Finally new developments concerning the evolution of the eclipsing BMSP J1740−5340 and the formation of 'red stragglers' in globular clusters are discussed. |
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