Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
Scientific paper
2009-07-15
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
8 pages, 6 figures, to appear in "X-ray Polarimetry: A New Window in Astrophysics", edited by R. Bellazzini, E. Costa, G. Matt
Scientific paper
Radiation of X-ray bursts and of accretion shocks in weakly magnetized neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries is produced in plane-parallel atmospheres dominated by electron scattering. We first discuss polarization produced by single (non-magnetic) Compton scattering, in particular the depolarizing effect of high electron temperature, and then the polarization due to multiply electron scattering in a slab. We further predict the X-ray pulse profiles and polarization properties of nuclear- and accretion-powered millisecond pulsars. We introduce a relativistic rotation vector model, which includes the effect of rotation of polarization plane due to the rapid motion of the hot spot as well as the light bending. Future observations of the X-ray polarization will provide a valuable tool to test the geometry of the emission region in pulsars and its physical characteristics.
No associations
LandOfFree
Polarization properties of X-ray millisecond pulsars does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Polarization properties of X-ray millisecond pulsars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Polarization properties of X-ray millisecond pulsars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-364832