Polarized Gamma-Ray Emission from the Galactic Black Hole Cygnus X-1

Laurent P, Rodriguez J, Wilms J, Bel MC, Pottschmidt K, Grinberg V (2011)

Publication Status: Published

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2011

Journal

Science American Association for the Advancement of Science

Publisher: AMER ASSOC ADVANCEMENT SCIENCE

Book Volume: 332

Pages Range: 438-439

Journal Issue: 6028

DOI: 10.1126/science.1200848

Abstract

Because of their inherently high flux allowing the detection of clear signals, black hole x-ray binaries are interesting candidates for polarization studies, even if no polarization signals have been observed from them before. Such measurements would provide further detailed insight into these sources' emission mechanisms. We measured the polarization of the gamma-ray emission from the black hole binary system Cygnus X-1 with the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory Imager on Board the Integral Satellite (INTEGRAL/IBIS) telescope. Spectral modeling of the data reveals two emission mechanisms: The 250- to 400-keV ( kilo-electron volt) data are consistent with emission dominated by Compton scattering on thermal electrons and are weakly polarized. The second spectral component seen in the 400-keV to 2-MeV band is by contrast strongly polarized, revealing that the MeV emission is probably related to the jet first detected in the radio band.

Authors with CRIS profile

Jörn Wilms Professur für Astronomie und Astrophysik Victoria Grinberg Dr.Karl-Remeis-Sternwarte Bamberg, Astronomisches Institut

Involved external institutions

University of Maryland US United States (USA) (US) European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) ES Spain (ES) University of Paris 7 - Denis Diderot / Université Paris VII Denis Diderot FR France (FR) French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) FR France (FR)

How to cite

APA:

Laurent, P., Rodriguez, J., Wilms, J., Bel, M.C., Pottschmidt, K., & Grinberg, V. (2011). Polarized Gamma-Ray Emission from the Galactic Black Hole Cygnus X-1. Science, 332(6028), 438-439. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1200848

MLA:

Laurent, P., et al. "Polarized Gamma-Ray Emission from the Galactic Black Hole Cygnus X-1." Science 332.6028 (2011): 438-439.

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