Quantum refraction effects in pulsar emission

Abstract

Highly magnetized neutron stars exhibit the vacuum non-linear electrodynamics effects, which can be well-described using the one-loop effective action for quantum electrodynamics. In this context, we study the propagation and polarization of pulsar radiation, based on the post-Maxwellian Lagrangian from the Heisenberg-Euler-Schwinger action. Given the refractive index obtained from this Lagrangian, we determine the leading-order corrections to both the propagation and polarization vectors due to quantum refraction via perturbation analysis. In addition, the effects on the orthogonality between the propagation and polarization vectors and the Faraday rotation angle, all due to quantum refraction are investigated. Furthermore, from the dual refractive index and the associated polarization modes, we discuss quantum birefringence, with the optical phenomenology analogous to its classical counterpart. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Astronomical Society.