New pulse profile variability associated with the glitch of PSR J0738-4042

The close correlation observed between emission state and spin-down rate change of pulsars has many implications both for the magnetospheric physics and the neutron star interior. The middle-aged pulsar PSR J0738--4042, which had been observed to display variations in the pulse profile associated with its spin-down rate change due to external effects, is a remarkable member of this class. In this study, based on the 12.5-yr combined public timing data from UTMOST and Parkes, we have detected a new emission-rotation correlation in PSR J0738--4042 concurrent with a glitch. The first glitch occurred in this pulsar at MJD 57359(5) (December 3, 2015) is considered to be underlying reason of the variability. Unlike the usual glitch behaviours, the braking torque on the pulsar has continued to increase over 1380 d since small spin-up event ($\Delta\nu/\nu \sim 0.36(4)\times 10^{-9}$), corresponding to a significant decrease in $\ddot{\nu}$. As for changes in the pulse profile after the glitch, the relative amplitude of the leading component weakens drastically, while the middle component becomes stronger. A combined model of crustquake induced platelet movement and vortex creep response is invoked to account for this rare correlation. In this scenario, magnetospheric state-change is naturally linked to the pulsar-intrinsic processes that give rise to a glitch.