X-Ray Polarization from the Gamma-Ray Binary LS I +61 303

TL;DR

This study reports the detection of X-ray polarization in the gamma-ray binary LS I +61 303 using IXPE, revealing insights into magnetic field structure and orbital geometry, with implications for particle acceleration mechanisms.

Contribution

First detection of X-ray polarization in LS I +61 303, providing new constraints on magnetic field configuration and orbital alignment in gamma-ray binaries.

Findings

Polarization degree of 13.1% ± 3.0% detected in 2-8 keV band

X-ray EVPA shows potential alignment with the binary axis depending on orbital parameters

Orbital modeling suggests possible offset or alignment between EVPA and binary axis

Abstract

The gamma-ray emitting binary stellar system LS I +61 303 was observed with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) on two successive orbits over orbital phases of 0.74 to 1.05. Polarization is detected at a significance of 4.2$\sigma$ with an average polarization degree of $13.1\% \pm 3.0\%$ in the 2-8~keV band after background subtraction. This is the second detection of polarization of the X-ray synchrotron emission from a gamma-ray binary and, again, suggests that the magnetic field in the particle acceleration region has a significant ordered component. The orbital motion on the sky of LS I +61 303 is not well determined, which leads to ambiguity in interpretation of the X-ray electric vector polarization angle (EVPA) measurement. Use of orbital elements determined via radial velocity measurements combined with radio imaging of variable nebular emission, suggests an offset between the X-ray EVPA and the compact object-massive star axis on the order of ~30$^{\circ}$. Such an offset could be produced by Coriolis forces due to binary motion. Use of two different sets orbital elements determined via optical polarimetry suggest either no offset or a perpendicular orientation, but require an unexpectedly high inclination. Use of orbital elements derived from modeling of the keV/TeV light curves suggest good alignment between the X-ray EVPA and the compact object-massive star axis. Such alignment was found for the gamma-ray binary PSR B1259-63. If the same physical situation holds for LS I +61 303, that would favor the orbital elements derived from the keV/TeV light curves.