Observation of polarised hard X-ray emission from the Crab by the PoGOLite Pathfinder

TL;DR

This study measures the linear polarisation of hard X-ray emission from the Crab in the 20-120 keV range using the PoGOLite Pathfinder, providing new insights into pulsar wind geometry and magnetic fields.

Contribution

It introduces the first measurement of Crab's X-ray polarisation in this energy range using a balloon-borne polarimeter, with detailed calibration and systematic analysis.

Findings

Polarisation fraction: 18.4% with uncertainties

Polarisation angle: 149.2 degrees

Upper limit on polarisation: 42.4% at 99% credibility

Abstract

We have measured the linear polarisation of hard X-ray emission from the Crab in a previously unexplored energy interval, 20-120 keV. The introduction of two new observational parameters, the polarisation fraction and angle stands to disentangle geometrical and physical effects, thereby providing information on the pulsar wind geometry and magnetic field environment. Measurements are conducted using the PoGOLite Pathfinder - a balloon-borne polarimeter. Polarisation is determined by measuring the azimuthal Compton scattering angle of incident X-rays in an array of plastic scintillators housed in an anticoincidence well. The polarimetric response has been characterised prior to flight using both polarised and unpolarised calibration sources. We address possible systematic effects through observations of a background field. The measured polarisation fraction for the integrated Crab light-curve is ($18.4^{+9.8}_{-10.6}$)%, corresponding to an upper limit (99% credibility) of 42.4%, for a polarisation angle of ($149.2\pm16.0)^\circ$.