On the performance of the scattering and crystal polarimeters for the SPECTRUM-X-Gamma mission.
Abstract
X-ray scattering from a lithium disc 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 authors describe the expected on-axis performance of these two components of the Stellar X-Ray Polarimeter experiment based on detailed Monte-Carlo simulations.
- Publication:
-
Polarimetry: Radar, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and X-ray
- Pub Date:
- 1990
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.22073
- Bibcode:
- 1990SPIE.1317..372E
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Polarimetry;
- Light Scattering;
- Polarimeters;
- Satellite-Borne Instruments;
- X Ray Sources;
- Crab Nebula;
- Crystal Optics;
- Linear Polarization;
- Monte Carlo Method;
- Neutron Stars;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation;
- X Rays: Polarimeters