Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Abstract
We have, at last, an observatory dedicated to X-ray polarimetry that has been operational since December 9th, 2021. The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is a NASA SMEX mission, in partnership with ASI, based on three X-ray telescopes, each equipped with a polarization-sensitive detector in the focus. An extending boom was deployed in orbit, positioning the detectors at the optimal distance from the optics, which have a 4-meter focal length. The spacecraft is three-axis stabilized, providing power, attitude determination and control, transmission, and commanding capabilities. After two and a half years of observation, IXPE has detected positive polarization from nearly all classes of celestial sources that emit X-rays. In this report, we describe the IXPE mission, detailing the performance of the scientific instrumentation after 2.5 years of operation. We also present the main astrophysical results and a few examples of scientific performance during flight.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Proceedings of SPIE the International Society for Optical Engineering
Recommended Citation
Soffitta, P., Baldini, L., Baumgartner, W., Bellazzini, R., Bongiorno, S., Bucciantini, N., Costa, E., Dovčiak, M., Ehlert, S., Kaaret, P., Kolodziejczak, J., Latronico, L., Marin, F., Marscher, A., Marshall, H., Matt, G., Muleri, F., O'Dell, S., Poutanen, J., Ramsey, B., Romani, R., Slane, P., Tennant, A., Turolla, R., Weisskopf, M., Agudo, I., Antonelli, L., Bachetti, M., Bianchi, S., Bonino, R., Brez, A., Capitanio, F., & Castellano, S. (2024). The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer 2.5 years later. Proceedings of SPIE the International Society for Optical Engineering, 13093 https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020418