Polarized X-rays from Magnetized Neutron Stars
arXiv:0906.4717 · doi:10.1017/CBO9780511750809.025
Abstract
We review the polarization properties of X-ray emission from highly magnetized neutron stars, focusing on emission from the stellar surfaces. We discuss how x-ray polarization can be used to constrain neutron star magnetic field and emission geometry, and to probe strong-field quantum electrodynamics and possibly constrain the properties of axions.
to appear in "X-ray Polarimetry: A New Window in Astrophysics", edited by R. Bellazzini, E. Costa, G. Matt and G. Tagliaferri (Cambridge University Press)