Neutron Star or a Pulsar - what decides

[kranav]

After a supernova what compels the left over core to be either a neutron star or a pulsar?
is it decided before or after explosion?
any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Jimmy]

http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/ask_astro/answers/980125a.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulsar#Formation

A newly formed neutron star will become a pulsar if it is rotating fast enough and has a strong magnetic field- most probably do. Over time, the pulsar rotates more slowly as it radiates electromagnet energy. Eventually, there is no longer enough rotational energy to drive the pulsar.

[ibysaiyan]

Whenever a type 1A supernovae releases it's remnants, if the left over rigid core doesn't exceed TOV limit then in that case a neutron star is formed. I suppose the difference between a neutron star and a pulsar would be on the scale of sizes of the magnetic field as hinted by jimmy's post.

[Chronos]

A pulsar IS a neutron star, usually very young, energetic, and spinning like a top. Its immense magnetic field is what causes the pulses.

[ibysaiyan]

A pulsar IS a neutron star, usually very young, energetic, and spinning like a top. Its immense magnetic field is what causes the pulses.
Ah, I was under the impression that pulsars are old, neutron stars with high angular momentum. Thanks for your correction.

[davo789]

Pulsars accrete surrounding matter onto their surface. The strong magnetic field of the neutron star funnels the matter onto the poles of the star, and bright hotspots are created on the surface. If a neutron star has nothing to accrete, there are no hotspots, and there is no pulsar.