Spin-down Changes in PSR B0540-69 Induced by a Drift of the Magnetic Axis

Abstract The dynamics of the solid crust + magnetic field lines of pulsars is a much debated issue and remains unsettled after 50 yr. Some pieces of evidence have emerged to complete and confirm theoretical calculations and expectations. We discuss in the present work an interpretation of the behavior of the “Crab Twin” pulsar PSR B0540-69 in terms of the evolution of the magnetic field/quakes, connecting the behavior of the braking index with the underlying platelet drift and sudden discontinuous rearrangement (fast-slip) and long-term ones (slow-slip events), suggested by analogy with the existing theoretical picture observed in the Earth’s crust. The relationship of this scenario with permanent torque-changing glitches seen in the Crab and other young pulsars, and a set of similar events in the same object and others, is addressed. We conclude that this physical approach is in principle consistent with all these sudden events and point out future work to clarify the whole picture.