Applying Neutron Star Atmosphere Models to Light Curves from Hot Spots
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Abstract
Neutron stars provide the key to understanding the equation of state at the highest pressure and density. Constraining the mass-radius relation of neu- tron stars will provide opportunities to test the currently conflicting candidates for the equation of state. Next generation instruments, such as the recently launched X-ray telescope NICER, will provide high timing and spectral reso- lution observations. Its primary objective is to to constrain the properties of nearby isolated millisecond pulsars such as PSR J0437-4715. We present new additions to the routines of the hot spot modelling program at the University of Alberta, with emphasis on adapting neutron star atmosphere models, realistic background sources, and processing of the signals from detected neutron stars to the program. The program will be a valuable tool, useful for interpreting NICER’s observations of millisecond pulsars.