Undergrad What is “absolute circular polarization fraction” for a pulsar?

[ZX.Liang]

In a pulsar paper, two terms were mentioned: circular polarization fraction and absolute circular polarization fraction.
1. What is the absolute circular polarization fraction?
2. What is the difference between them?

 

[Tom.G]

"Absolute" in that context would be the same as the absolute value of a number. For instance abs(-5) is 5, as is abs(5).

Another way of stating it is the 'distance' from Zero, regardless of whether it is above or below Zero.

For an example related to Pulsars, see Section 3 of:
https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/352/2/689/1013326

(the above was the first hit of a Googles search:
https://www.google.com/search?&q=absolute+circular+polarization+fraction)

Cheers,
Tom

 

[ZX.Liang]

Thank you.
I envy your freedom to use Google. It is illegal to use Google in our country.

 

[Tom.G]

It is illegal to use Google in our country.

Yes, different countries, and different politicians, load all of us with rules. Some are a good idea and some are not.

Stay Safe!
Tom