EGRET Detection of Pulsed Gamma Radiation from PSR B1951+32

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Abstract
We detected a sixth high-energy gamma-ray pulsar, PSR B1951+32, pulsating in gamma rays at E ≥ 100 MeV with the same 39.5 ms periodicity as in radio, using the data obtained during 1991 May to 1994 July by the Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) aboard the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. Although seen only as a weak source amidst the high background of galactic disk emission, the pulsation in high-energy gamma rays is clearly seen. The pulsed radiation has a photon spectral index of -1.74 ± 0.11. There is no evidence as yet for unpulsed emission from the object. The pulsar appears to have an efficiency of ~0.004 for converting its rotational energy loss into gamma rays at E ≥ 100 MeV.

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