Pulsar Electrodynamics: an unsolved problem

Understand

Pulsar electrodynamics is reviewed emphasizing the role of the inductive electric field in an oblique rotator and the incomplete screening of its parallel component by charges, leaving `gaps' with $E_\parallel\ne0$.

• The response of the plasma leads to a self-consistent electric field that complements the inductive electric field with a potential field leading to an electric drift and a polarization current associated with the total field.
• The electrodynamic models determine the charge density, $\rho$, and the current density, ${\bf J}$, charge starvation refers to situations where the plasma cannot supply $\rho$, resulting in a gap and associated particle acceleration and pair creation.
• It is pointed out that a form of current starvation also occurs implying a new class of gaps.