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Observing Photons in Space pp 599–615Cite as

Polarimetry at high energies

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Part of the book series: ISSI Scientific Report Series ((ISSI,volume 9))

Abstract

Using polarimetry as a tool to study processes and objects emitting high-energy photons was until now rather uncommon. Recent satellite measurements have proved the high power of polarization observables and initiated a rapid development of new instruments. We describe the physical mechanisms leading to photon polarization, and discuss the processes used for its detection at energies from few kiloelectronvolts X-rays up to megaelectronvolts gamma-rays. Past instrumentation and pioneer attempts of polarization measurements are summarized and reviewed with respect to experimental difficulties and scientific achievements. We also present current and planned polarimeters and the utilization of novel, energy-specific detection technologies. Finally, we discuss the importance of proper modelling and calibration of the polarimeter, and describe several methods used to characterize it.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. PSI—Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland

    Wojtek Hajdas

  2. JSC—Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany

    Estela Suarez-Garcia

Authors
  1. Wojtek Hajdas
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  2. Estela Suarez-Garcia
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen PSI, Switzerland

    Martin C. E. Huber , Anuschka Pauluhn  & Alex Zehnder ,  & 

  2. Mullard Space Science Lab, University College London, Dorking, Surrey, UK

    J. Len Culhane

  3. Nightsen, Inc., Tiverton, Rhode Island, USA

    J. Gethyn Timothy

  4. Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung, Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany

    Klaus Wilhelm

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Hajdas, W., Suarez-Garcia, E. (2013). Polarimetry at high energies. In: Huber, M.C.E., Pauluhn, A., Culhane, J.L., Timothy, J.G., Wilhelm, K., Zehnder, A. (eds) Observing Photons in Space. ISSI Scientific Report Series, vol 9. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7804-1_34

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7804-1_34

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-7803-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-7804-1

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