Physics of Strong Magnetism with eXTP

TL;DR

The paper discusses the scientific capabilities of the eXTP mission for studying strongly magnetized compact objects, emphasizing its potential for advancing quantum electrodynamics and astrophysics research through combined timing, spectroscopy, and polarimetry.

Contribution

It introduces the enhanced eXTP mission's potential for groundbreaking studies of magnetars and X-ray pulsars, highlighting its unique instrumentation and recent QED observations.

Findings

Potential for new QED tests with eXTP

Enhanced understanding of magnetar physics

Complementary observations to NASA's IXPE

Abstract

In this paper we present the science potential of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry (eXTP) mission, in its new configuration, for studies of strongly magnetized compact objects. We discuss the scientific potential of eXTP for quantum electrodynamic (QED) studies, especially leveraging on the recent observations made with the NASA IXPE mission. Given eXTP's unique combination of timing, spectroscopy, and polarimetry, we focus on the perspectives for physics and astrophysics studies of strongly magnetized compact objects, such as magnetars and accreting X-ray pulsars. Developed by an international Consortium led by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the eXTP mission is expected to launch in early 2030.