Optical Observations of the Crab Pulsar, and Searches for other Optical Pulsars

The optical properties of the Crab nebula pulsar are reviewed. The Crab nebula pulsar has a high degree of constancy at optical wavelengths. No time variations over short or long periods have been detected; the light curve is nearly the same in all colors. The intensity and color of the pulsar are V = 16.5, B − V = +0.5, U − B = −0.45 and V − R = −0.75. There is no precursor as found at radio wavelengths and the main pulse contains 65 per cent of the total energy. No lines have been detected. Searches for other pulsars have been unsuccessful.