The enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission—eXTP
Abstract
In this paper we present the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission—eXTP. eXTP is a space science mission designed to study fundamental physics under extreme conditions of density, gravity and magnetism. The mission aims at determining the equation of state of matter at supra-nuclear density, measuring effects of QED, and understanding the dynamics of matter in strong-field gravity. In addition to investigating fundamental physics, eXTP will be a very powerful observatory for astrophysics that will provide observations of unprecedented quality on a variety of galactic and extragalactic objects. In particular, its wide field monitoring capabilities will be highly instrumental to detect the electro-magnetic counterparts of gravitational wave sources. The paper provides a detailed description of: (1) the technological and technical aspects, and the expected performance of the instruments of the scientific payload; (2) the elements and functions of the mission, from the spacecraft to the ground segment.
- Publication:
-
Science China Physics, Mechanics, and Astronomy
- Pub Date:
- February 2019
- DOI:
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1812.04020
- Bibcode:
- 2019SCPMA..6229502Z
- Keywords:
-
- X-ray instrumentation;
- X-ray polarimetry;
- X-ray timing;
- space mission: eXTP;
- Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics;
- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
- E-Print:
- Accepted for publication on Sci. China Phys. Mech. Astron. (2019)