On the performance of the scattering and crystal polarimeters for the Spectrum-X-Gamma missionX-ray scattering from a lithium disk and Bragg reflection from a mosaic graphite crystal can be exploited to measure the linear polarization of radiation emitted from cosmic X-ray sources. The sensitivity is enhanced if the polarimeters are placed at the focus of an X-ray telescope. Such devices form two of the components of the Stellar X-ray Polarimeter experiment scheduled to fly on the Spectrum-X-Gamma mission. The expected on-axis performance of the two components is described based on detailed Monte Carlo simulations. The polarimetry experiment is expected to provide sensitive measurements of linear polarization for many cosmic X-ray sources. The nature and utility of such observations is described for pulsing X-ray sources such as the Crab pulsar and Her X-1.
Document ID
19910066876
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Elsner, R. F. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Weisskopf, M. C. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Novick, R. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Kaaret, P. (Columbia University New York, United States)
Silver, E. (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Livermore, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Subject Category
Spacecraft Instrumentation
Meeting Information
Meeting: Polarimetry: Radar, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, and X-ray