What is gap polar?

Gap polar, also known as a polar gap, is the region of space surrounding a neutron star where the electric field is so strong that it can separate electrons and protons. This separation creates a gap in the magnetic field lines and leads to the emission of high-energy radiation, including gamma rays and X-rays. This process is known as pulsed inverse Compton scattering. The polar gap is believed to be responsible for the observed pulsations in the emission from pulsars, which are highly magnetized neutron stars that emit beams of radiation. Studying the characteristics of the polar gap can provide insights into the physical processes that drive pulsar emission and help us understand the extreme conditions that exist in the vicinity of neutron stars.