Subaru Constraint on Circular Polarization in I-Band Emission from the Magnetar 4U 0142+61

Abstract

Abstract We present the first imaging circular polarimetry of the anomalous X-ray pulsar (AXP) 4U 0142$+$61 at optical wavelengths. The AXP is the only magnetar that has been well studied at optical and infrared wavelengths, and is known to have a complicated broad-band spectrum over the wavelength range. The optical polarimetric observation was carried out with the 8.2-m Subaru telescope at the $I$-band. From the observation, the degree of circular polarization, $V$, was measured to be $V$$=$ 1.1$ \pm $2.0%, or $\vert V\vert$$\leq$ 4.3% (90% confidence). The relatively large uncertainty was due to the faintness of the source ($I$$=$ 23.4–24.0). Considering the currently suggested models for optical emission from magnetars, our result is not sufficiently conclusive to discriminate the models. We suggest that because linear polarization is expected to be strong in the models, linear polarimetry of this magnetar should be conducted.