On the emission polarization of RX J1856.5-3754

TL;DR

This paper investigates the polarization properties of RX J1856.5-3754, suggesting that if its emission is due to synchrotron radiation, both X-ray and optical emissions should be linearly polarized, aiding in understanding its emission mechanism.

Contribution

It demonstrates that polarization measurements can decisively determine the emission mechanism of RX J1856.5-3754, based on plasma emission models and synchrotron radiation.

Findings

X-ray and optical emissions are predicted to be linearly polarized if synchrotron emission is responsible.

Polarization measurements can clarify the true emission nature of RX J1856.5-3754.

Abstract

The polarization properties of RX J1856.5-3754 are investigated, based on the plasma emission model presented in previous works. It is shown that if the emission of this source is generated by the synchrotron mechanism, the X-ray and the optical emission are linearly polarized and the corresponding degrees of linear polarization are calculated. The measurement of the polarization patterns of this source appears to be most reliable way, to make clear its real emission nature.