OPENING A NEW WINDOW TO FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS: X-RAY POLARIMETRY

摘要

An extensive theoretical literature predicts that X-ray Polarimetry can directly determine relevant physical and geometrical parameters of astrophysical sources, and discriminate between models further than allowed by spectral and timing data only. X-ray Polarimetry can also provide tests of Fundamental Physics. A high sensitivity polarimeter in the focal plane of a New Generation X-ray telescope could open this new window in the High Energy Sky.