| The Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on board the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) covers the energy range from 30 MeV to 30 GeV with more than an order of magnitude greater sensitivity than any previous experiment in this energy range, as well as improved resolution in spectral, spatial, and timing measurements. The first three and a half years of observations are analyzed to determine the characteristics of the detected gamma-ray pulsars, establish upper limits on high-energy gamma-ray emission from other radio pulsars, and differentiate the unidentified EGRET point sources which have behavior consistent with the detected gamma-ray pulsars.; Pulsed high-energy gamma-ray emission has been detected from six spin-powered pulsars. Using the EGRET observations, the total flux and photon spectra, phase-resolved behavior, and efficiency for converting the rotational power into gamma-rays are derived for each of these pulsars. In addition, time variability, pulse nulling, and the relative phases of the radio and gamma-ray pulses are investigated. Radio pulsars which are possible candidates for gamma-ray emission are studied for evidence of pulsed or steady state emission. The properties of the detected gamma-ray pulsars, as well as the upper limits on gamma-radiation from the other radio pulsars, are considered in the context of current models for gamma-ray emission from rotation-driven pulsars. |
