Gamma-ray Polarimetry *

X-ray and Gamma-ray Polarimetry

Gamma-Ray Bursts and Afterglow Polarisation

Polarimetry of Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) afterglows in the last few years has been considered one of the most effective tool to probe the geometry, energetic, dynamics and the environment of GRBs. We report some of the most recent results and discuss their implications and future perspectives.

Gamma-Ray Polarimetry of Two X-Class Solar Flares

We have performed the first polarimetry of solar flare emission at γ-ray energies (0.2–1MeV). These observations were performed with the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) for two large flares: the GOES X4.8-class solar flare of 2002 July 23, and the X17-class flare of 2003 October 28. We have marginal polarization detections in both flares, at levels of 21 ± 9% and -...

Gamma ray polarimetry using a position sensitive germanium detector

Imaging gamma-ray detectors make sensitive polarimeters in the Compton energy regime by measuring the scatter direction of gamma-rays. The principle is to capitalize on the angular dependence of the Compton scattering cross section to polarized gamma rays and measure the distribution of scatter directions within the detector. This technique is effective in a double-sided germanium detector betw...

Circular polarimetry of gamma-rays with tracking detectors

S. Tashenov1,2 1GSI, Darmstadt, Germany; 2Stockholm University, AlbaNova University Center, Roslagstullsbacken 21, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden Photon helicity a projection of the photon spin on its momentum direction, also called circular polarization, can provide information about processes in which angular momentum and spin interactions play an important role. In particular it can be used in a...