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Type of Document	Dissertation
Author	Cameron, Patrick Brian
URN	etd-08152008-140704
Persistent URL	http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-08152008-140704
Title	The formation and evolution of neutron stars: astrometry, timing, and transients
Degree	PhD
Option	Astrophysics
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Sterl Phinney Committee Chair Chris Martin Committee Member Judy Cohen Committee Member Rich Dekany Committee Member Shri Kulkarni Committee Member
Keywords	compact objects adaptive optics neutron stars
Date of Defense	2008-06-02
Availability	restricted
Abstract In order to address open questions regarding the death of massive stars and the evolution of the stellar fossils left behind, we use techniques spanning the electromagnetic spectrum to study the youngest and oldest neutron stars. We begin by exploring and developing a new technique --- ground-based astrometry with adaptive optics. This technology is relatively new to astronomy, and has incredible potential for tracking the motions of stars. We enumerate experimental design consideration for mitigating systematic errors and present an optimal estimation algorithm capable of delivering unprecedented astrometric precision and accuracy from the ground. We verify the performance of our technique using experimental data, and discuss the astrometric potential of adaptive optics on large aperture telescopes. We then apply our knowledge to track the motions of magnetars. These objects harbor ultra-strong magnetic fields and give rise to the most intense high-energy transients in the sky. The proper motion survey presented here is the first of its kind, and is capable of directly addressing the open questions regarding their origin and evolution in a model independent fashion. We also present radio studies of the aftermath of the brightest magnetar flare ever recorded. Finally, we shift to probing the emission mechanism of the oldest neutron stars, millisecond pulsars in globular clusters, that are revived at the end of their by lives their binary companions.
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