Predicted performance of the lithium scattering and graphite crystal polarimeter 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 experiment will reside at the focus of one of the SODART X-ray telescopes. 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. They also discuss various systematic effects, both external and internal to the experiment, that must be considered in order to properly design and utilize the experiment.
- Publication:
-
X-Ray/EUV Optics for Astronomy, Microscopy, Polarimetry, and Projection Lithography
- Pub Date:
- June 1991
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.23215
- Bibcode:
- 1991SPIE.1343..457W
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Polarimetry;
- Calibrating;
- Polarimeters;
- Satellite-Borne Instruments;
- X Ray Scattering;
- X Ray Telescopes;
- Bragg Cells;
- Experiment Design;
- Graphite;
- Lithium;
- Monte Carlo Method;
- Proportional Counters;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation