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General relativistic x ray (UV) polarization rotations as a quantitative test for black holesIt is now 11 years since a potentially easily observable and quantitative test for black holes using general relativistic polarization rotations was proposed (Stark and Connors 1977, and Connors and Stark 1977). General relativistic rotations of the x ray polarization plane of 10 to 100 degrees with x ray energy (between 1 and 100 keV) are predicted for black hole x ray binaries. (Classically, by symmetry, there is no rotation.) Unfortunately, x ray polarimetry has not been taken sufficiently seriously during this period, and this test has not yet been performed. A similar (though probably less clean) effect is expected in the UV for supermassive black holes in some quasars active galactic nuclei. Summarizing: (1) a quantitative test (proposed in 1977) for black holes exists; (2) x ray polarimetry of galactic x ray binaries sensitive to at least 1/2 percent between 1 keV and 100 keV is needed (polarimetry in the UV of quasars and AGN will also be of interest); and (3) proportional counters using timerise discrimination were shown in laboratory experiments able to perform x ray polarimetry and this and other methods need to be developed.
Document ID
19900010641
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Stark, Richard F. (California Univ. Santa Barbara, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: NASA, Relativistic Gravitational Experiments in Space
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
90N19957
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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