MG12 - Talk detail
 

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Abstract

Precise timing of PSR J1903+0327 - binary evolution, masses and the equation of state for dense matter

In this talk, we discuss the recent high-precision timing of the eccentric binary millisecond pulsar PSR J1903+0327. This includes extremely precise spin, astrometric and orbital parameters for this object. We briefly discuss the implications of these for the formation of this unique binary system. The measurements of three Post-Keplerian orbital parameters provides an unusually precise measurement for the mass of a millisecond pulsar. This is the first such measurement significantly in excess of the Chandrasekhar mass; this provides novel and precise constraints on the equation of state for dense matter.

The deceptively boring binary millisecond pulsar PSR J1738+0333 - a great laboratory for testing the strong equivalence principle.

In this talk we present the results of the high-precision timing of PSR J1738+0333 carried out at Arecibo for the last 6 years. This 5.85-ms pulsar is part of a binary system with a circular, 8.5-hour orbit and a white dwarf companion. The recent detection of the companion and measurement of its orbital velocity amplitude provide a mass ratio for the system (8.1 +/- 0.3). The recent detection of the orbital decay due to the emission of gravitational waves allow, assuming GR, a low-precision measurement of the mass of the pulsar and the mass of the companion. We discuss how this system constrains dipolar gravitational wave emission and might become the best binary system known for testing the strong equivalence principle.

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