Probing fundamental physics with ALMA2040 mm-wavelength observations of neutron stars
astro-ph.HE
Submitted: 2026-10-15
Updated: 2026-10-15
Comments: 8 pages, 3 figures, Part of the ALMA2040 White Paper Series
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The gist: Bursty or (rotation-induced) pulsed coherent radio emission from pulsars, magnetars, and fast radio transients originates in some of the most extreme environments in the Universe.
Terminology
Abstract
Bursty or (rotation-induced) pulsed coherent radio emission from pulsars, magnetars, and fast radio transients originates in some of the most extreme environments in the Universe. However, the exact physical mechanism behind the scenes remains poorly understood. ALMA2040 will allow for systematic exploration of the millimeter-wavelength spectral window for pulsars and fast radio transients for the very first time, offering unprecedented opportunities to discover new observational phenomena and advance our understanding of emission physics. Beyond this, ALMA2040 provides a unique means to unveil the neutron-star population in the Galactic Centre (GC), enable novel tests of fundamental physics in the vicinity of the supermassive black hole Sgr A*, probe the potential existence of dark matter in the GC, and investigate the dense, highly dynamic interstellar and magnetic environment of this region.
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