X-ray Polarimetry - INAF-IASF-Roma

Spectro-imaging polarimetry of PWNe
NHXM LEP position resolution
Imaging polarimetry is fundamental to probe the
magnetic field topology. Since X-ray emitting electrons
have short synchrotron lifetimes, X-rays provide a much
cleaner view of the inner regions, limiting the risk of
superposition effects along the line of sight. The Crab
Nebula is the only source in which the polarization
degree has been measured so far in X-rays (P=19%,
Weisskopf et al. 1978, ApJ 220, L117) confirming the
synchrotron nature of its emission.
Spacially resolved X-ray polarimetry can map the magnetic fields in the pulsar wind nebulae like
the Crab helping to verify models of generation of its different features .
Paolo Soffitta The Extreme and Variable High Energy Sky Chia Laguna 19-21/09/2011