High Energy Polarization and the Crab: Historical Remarks

TL;DR

This paper reviews the history of X-ray polarization measurements, discusses new technological prospects for future observations, and presents preliminary results from recent Crab observations comparing X-ray spectral indices with optical polarization.

Contribution

It provides a historical overview, highlights recent technological advancements, and reports preliminary Crab observation results linking X-ray and optical polarization data.

Findings

Historical summary of X-ray polarization measurements

Discussion of new polarization measurement technologies

Preliminary Crab observation results comparing X-ray and optical data

Abstract

In this paper we first provide a brief history of the handful of X-ray polarization measurements that have been accomplished to date. We then outline new technological developments that indicate more detailed polarization measurements in this important band of the spectrum can, and should be, accomplished in the near future. Finally, we depart somewhat from our original assignment and mention a preliminary result of the most recent observation of the Crab with the Chandra X-Ray Observatory and compare measurement of the X-ray spectral index as a function of pulse phase with optical polarization measurements that will be presented in detail elsewhere in these proceedings.