Abstract
Recently selected by NASA as the next SMall EXplorer (SMEX) mission for a launch in 2021, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) marks the renaissance of X-ray polarimetry, with the prospect of measuring linear polarization from tens of astronomical X-ray sources. IXPE will expand the X-ray view of the Universe by providing new and unique insight into our understanding of some of the most violent celestial objects, such as stellar and supermassive black holes and neutron stars . In this contribution we shall discuss the scientific prospects of the mission, as well as the status of the program, with particular emphasis on the development of the focal plane detectors sensitive to polarization. • The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) will be the next NASA SMall EXplorer. • IXPE will be devoted to X-ray polarimetry in the 2–8 keV energy band. • The Gas Pixel Detector (GPD) made possible polarimetry at a few keV energy range. • The GPD exploit photoelectric effect in gas, with an ASIC as collecting anode.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
