X-ray polarization in magnetar atmospheres – effects of mode conversion

Author:

Kelly Ruth M E1ORCID,Zane Silvia1,Turolla Roberto12,Taverna Roberto2

Affiliation:

1. Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College London , Holmbury St Mary, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NT , UK

2. Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Padova , via Marzolo 8, I-35131 Padova , Italy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Magnetars, the most strongly magnetized neutron stars, are among the most promising targets for X-ray polarimetry. Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), the first satellite devoted to exploring the sky in polarized X-rays, has observed four magnetars to date. A proper interpretation of IXPE results requires the development of new atmospheric models that can take into proper account the effects of the magnetized vacuum on par with those of the plasma. Here we investigate the effects of mode conversion at the vacuum resonance on the polarization properties of magnetar emission by computing plane-parallel atmospheric models under varying conditions of magnetic field strength/orientation, effective temperature, and allowing for either complete or partial adiabatic mode conversion. Complete mode conversion results in a switch of the dominant polarization mode, from the extraordinary (X) to the ordinary (O) one, below an energy that decreases with increasing magnetic field strength, occurring at $\approx 0.5\, \mathrm{keV}$ for a magnetic field strength of $B=10^{14}\, \mathrm{G}$. Partial adiabatic mode conversion results in a reduced polarization degree when compared with a standard plasma atmosphere. No dominant mode switch occurs for $B=10^{14}\, \mathrm{G}$, while there are two switches for lower fields of $B=3\times 10^{13}\, \mathrm{G}$. Finally, by incorporating our models in a ray-tracing code, we computed the expected polarization signal at infinity for different emitting regions on the star surface and for different viewing geometries. The observability of quantum electrodynamics signatures with IXPE and with future soft X-ray polarimeters as Rocket Experiment Demonstration of a Soft X-ray Polarimeter is discussed.

Funder

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

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