First Detection of X-Ray Polarization from the Accreting Neutron Star 4U 1820−303

Journal article

Low-mass X-ray binaries hosting weakly magnetized neutron stars (NS-LMXBs) are among the brightest sources in the X-ray sky. Since 2021, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) has provided new measurements of the X-ray polarization of these sources. IXPE observations have revealed that most NS-LMXBs are significantly polarized in the X-rays, providing unprecedented insight into the geometry of their accretion flow. In this review paper, we summarize the first results obtained by IXPE on NS-LMXBs, the emerging trends within each class of sources (atoll/Z), and possible physical interpretations.8 pages, 3 figures, invited review for the Special Issue X-ray Polarization: A New Era Begin

Authors: Di Marco, A; La Monaca, F; Poutanen, J; Russell, TD; Anitra, A

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: American Astronomical Society
• Journal: The Astrophysical Journal Letters
• Volume: 953
• Issue: 2
• Pages: L22-L22
• Publication date: 2023-08-18
• DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/acec6e
• EISSN: 2041-8213
• ISSN: 2041-8205
• Language: English
• Keywords: Telescope; Position angle; Scattering; Astrophysics; Optics; Brewster's angle; Physics; Neutron star; Degree of polarization; Polarization (electrochemistry); Astronomy; Galaxy; Polarimetry