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Predicted performance of the lithium scattering and graphite crystal polarimeter for the Spectrum-X-Gamma mission

Authors :
Ronald F. Elsner
Robert Novick
Philip E. Kaaret
Martin C. Weisskopf
Eric H. Silver
Source :
X-Ray/EUV Optics for Astronomy, Microscopy, Polarimetry, and Projection Lithography.
Publication Year :
1991
Publisher :
SPIE, 1991.

Abstract

X-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 greatly enhanced if these polarimeters are placed at the focus of an X-ray telescope. Such devices form two of the three components of the Stellar X-Ray Polarimeter experiment scheduled to fly on the Spectrum-X-Gamma mission. The experiment will reside at the focus of one of the SODART X-ray telescopes. The expected on-axis performance of these two components of the Stellar X-Ray Polarimeter experiment based on detailed Monte-Carlo simulation is described. Various systematic effects, both external and internal to the experiment, that must be considered in order to properly design and utilize the experiment are also discussed.

Details

ISSN :
0277786X
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
X-Ray/EUV Optics for Astronomy, Microscopy, Polarimetry, and Projection Lithography
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........487e23f73159953323f359cbdf02907a