The Relativistic Force-free Equation

Abstract

This paper is a preliminary report on ongoing work, in collaboration with Drs S. P. Goodwyn, A. J. Mestel, and G. A. E. Wright. The non-dissipative force-free condition should be a good approximation to describe the electromagnetic field in much of the pulsar magnetosphere, but we may plausibly expect it to break down in singular domains. The detailed properties of the solutions will be affected critically by the choice of equatorial boundary condition beyond the light-cylinder.