Publikationsdatum:
2019-07-13
Beschreibung:
The OSO 8 satellite, launched on June 21, 1975, contains two X-ray polarimeters. These polarimeters use mosaic crystals of graphite to yield polarization-sensitive Bragg reflection of stellar X-rays. The crystals reflect a narrow energy bandwidth centered at 2.6 and 5.2 keV. The polarimeter background signal is minimized by mounting the crystals on parabolic surfaces which focus the diffracted X-rays onto small-area beryllium-window proportional counters. This technique permits the observation of low-intensity X-ray sources and reduces the possibility of systematic background effects which could lead to a false signature of polarization. A description of the instrument is given, and preliminary results for the Crab Nebula and Cyg X-1 are presented.
Schlagwort(e):
SPACECRAFT INSTRUMENTATION
Materialart:
In: New instrumentation for space astronomy; Proceedings of the Symposium; Jun 07, 1977 - Jun 18, 1977; Tel Aviv; Israel
Format:
text
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