On the association of G343.1-2.3 and PSR 1706-44

Abstract

The association of G343.1-2.3 and PSR 1706-44 has been controversial from its first proposal. In this paper we address the difficulties, and argue that the association is still likely. New evidence comes from images of G343.1-2.3 obtained using the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), and the pulsar obtained using the CHANDRA X-ray observatory. Mosaicing was required to cover the full extent of G343.1-2.3, and we present the polarisation images from this experiment. Also an X-ray pulsar wind nebula has been found in the archived CHANDRA observations, with the correct morphology to support the association. The ATCA observations confirm the much larger extent of the SNR, which now encompasses the pulsar. The X-ray morphology points back toward the centre of the SNR, indicating the direction of the proper motion, and that the PSR and SNR are associated.