SNR IKT 16 X-ray image

Further, we constrain the geometrical parameters of the PWN and perform spectral analysis for the point source and the PWN separately. We also test for the radial variations of the PWN spectrum and its possible east west asymmetry. The X-ray source at the centre of IKT 16 can be resolved into a symmetrical elongated feature centring a point source, the putative pulsar.

Spatial modelling indicates an extent of 5.2" of the feature with its axis inclined at 82{deg} east from north, aligned with a larger radio feature consisting of two lobes almost symmetrical about the X-ray source. The picture is consistent with a PWN which has not yet collided with the reverse shock. The point source is about three times brighter than the PWN and has a hard spectrum of spectral index 1.1 compared to a value 2.2 for the PWN.

This points to the presence of a pulsar dominated by non-thermal emission. The expected dE/dt is ~10^37^erg/s and spin period <100ms. However, the presence of a compact nebula unresolved by Chandra at the distance of the SMC cannot completely be ruled out.