A Search for the Optical Counterpart of PSR B1951+32 in the Supernova Remnant CTB 80

Abstract

Using time-resolved two-dimensional aperture photometry we have put upper limits on the pulsed emission from two proposed optical counterparts for PSR B1951+32. Our pulsed upper limits of m_{vpulsed}>23.3, m_{bpulsed}>24.4$, for the first candidate and m_{vpulsed}>23.6$, m_{bpulsed}>24.3 for the second, make it unlikely that either of these is, in fact, the pulsar. We discuss three further candidates, but also reject these on the basis of timing results. A search of a 5.5arcs x 5.5arcs area centred close to these stars failed to find any significant pulsations at the reported pulsar period.