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X-ray Polarimetry
X-ray polarimetry is the measurement of the Polarization (waves), polarization of X-rays from astronomical sources. This technique provides information about emission mechanisms, magnetic field structures, and source geometry that cannot be obtained through traditional X-ray spectroscopy, imaging, or timing observations. History Polarization (waves), Polarization of X-rays was found in 1904 by Charles Glover Barkla. Astronomical X-ray sources were found in 1962, by Riccardo Giacconi and Bruno Rossi. X-ray polarimetry was first used in astronomy in 1968 when Robert Novick, working with Roger Angel and Martin C. Weisskopf at Columbia University, launched the first sounding rocket experiment to measure polarization from Scorpius X-1 using a lithium Compton scattering polarimeter, though this initial attempt yielded only upper limits. The first successful detection came from the Crab Nebula using improved rocket-borne instruments that combined lithium scattering polarimeters with Brag ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Polarization (waves)
, or , is a property of transverse waves which specifies the geometrical orientation of the oscillations. In a transverse wave, the direction of the oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the wave. One example of a polarized transverse wave is vibrations traveling along a taut string, for example, in a musical instrument like a guitar string. Depending on how the string is plucked, the vibrations can be in a vertical direction, horizontal direction, or at any angle perpendicular to the string. In contrast, in longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in a liquid or gas, the displacement of the particles in the oscillation is always in the direction of propagation, so these waves do not exhibit polarization. Transverse waves that exhibit polarization include electromagnetic waves such as light and radio waves, gravitational waves, and transverse sound waves ( shear waves) in solids. An electromagnetic wave such as light consists of a coupled oscillating el ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
