The X-ray Polarization Probe Concept Study
Abstract
The X-ray Polarization Probe (XPP) is designed to be a follow-on to the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), deepening and broadening the field of X-ray polarimetry. IXPE is scheduled for launch in 2021 and will be the first instrument to measure the X-ray polarizations of dozens of sources of many types, such as Galactic X-ray binaries, supernova remnants (SNRs), magnetars, and active galactic nuclei (AGN). The IXPE instrument is sensitive in the 2-8 keV band with an imaging resolution of about 25", sufficient to resolve shock fronts of SNRs and separately measure pulsars and their wind nebulae. XPP would broaden the bandpass by including a polarimeter sensitive down to 0.1 keV as well as one for measuring polarization up to 60 keV. XPP would be more 3-10 times more sensitive than IXPE (in the 2-8 keV band) with larger focussing mirrors. In addition, the imaging resolution would be improved to 5-10", enabling more resolution of SNRs and resolving AGN jets. Other science goals of XPP will be presented, including measuring the spins of Galactic stellar-mass black holes, testing models of the geometry of AGN coronae, observing the polarization in the cyclotron resonant scattering features in Galactic accreting pulsars, and searching for axion-like particles.
- Publication:
-
AAS/High Energy Astrophysics Division
- Pub Date:
- March 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019HEAD...1710959M