Observational manifestations of young neutron stars: Spin-powered pulsars

Abstract

The largest number of known young neutron stars are observed as spin-powered pulsars. While the majority of those are detected at radio frequencies, an increasing number can be studied at other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum as well. The Crab pulsar is the prototype of a young pulsar which can be observed from radio to gamma-ray frequencies, providing a red thread of discussion during a tour through the pulsar properties observed across the electromagnetic spectrum. The basic observational features of pulsar emission are presented, preparing the ground for more detailed reviews given in these proceedings. Here, particular attention will be paid to those emission features which may provide a link between the radio and high-energy emission processes.