First search for X-ray polarization in the centaurus X-3 and Hercules X-1 pulsars

Journal Article · Wed Aug 15 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/157283· OSTI ID:5894737

Silver, E H; Weisskopf, M C; Kestenbaum, H L; Long, K S; Novick, R; Wolff, R S

The first search for X-ray polarization in the Cen X-3 and Her X-1 pulsars was performed by the OSO 8 polarimeters in 1975 July and 1975 August, respectively. Three-sigma upper limits to the polarization in Cen X-3 of 13.5% and 19% at 2.6 keV and 5.2 keV, respectively, were obtained when the data were averaged over the pulse and binary periods. The upper limit for Her X-1 at 2.6 keV is 60%. A search for pulse-phase dependent X-ray polarization from both objects was also performed. At the 91% confidence level, emission from Cen X-3 exhibits evidence for X-ray polarization at 2.6 keV that varies with pulse phase. Upper limits to polarization are presented for the leading and trailing edges and peak of the Her X-1 pulse at 2.6 keV.

• Research Organization: Columbia Astrophysics Laboratory, Columbia University
• OSTI ID: 5894737
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 232:1; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640103* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BINARY STARS
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
NEUTRON STARS
PLASMA
POLARIMETERS
POLARIZATION
PULSARS
RADIATIONS
STAR ACCRETION
STAR EVOLUTION
STARS
X RADIATION