Broad-Band Soft X-ray Polarimetry
Abstract
We developed an instrument design capable of measuring linear X-ray polarization over a broad-band using conventional spectroscopic optics. A set of multilayer-coated flats reflects the dispersed X-rays to the instrument detectors. The intensity variation with position angle is measured to determine three Stokes parameters: I, Q, and U -- all as a function of energy. By laterally grading the multilayer optics and matching the dispersion of the gratings, one may take advantage of high multilayer reflectivities and achieve modulation factors > 50% over the entire 0.2 to 0.8 keV band. This instrument could be used in a small orbiting mission or scaled up for the International X-ray Observatory. Laboratory work has begun that would demonstrate the capabilities of key components.
Cite
@article{arxiv.0908.0677,
title = {Broad-Band Soft X-ray Polarimetry},
author = {Herman L. Marshall and Ralf Heilmann and Norbert Schulz and Kendrah Murphy},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0908.0677},
year = {2015}
}
Comments
6 pages, 3 figures (2 color); to appear in proceedings of "The Coming of Age of X-ray Polarimetry"