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The sensitivity of EGRET to gamma ray polarization

Author
Mattox, John R.
Published
May 1, 1990.
Physical Description
1 electronic document
Online Version

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Summary
A Monte Carlo simulation shows that EGRET (Energetic Gamma-Ray Experimental Telescope) does not even have sufficient sensitivity to detect 100 percent polarized gamma-rays. This is confirmed by analysis of calibration data. A Monte Carlo study shows that the sensitivity of EGRET to polarization peaks around 100 MeV. However, more than 10 (exp 5) gamma-ray events with 100 percent polarization would be required for a 3 sigma significance detection - more than available from calibration, and probably more than will result from a single score source during flight. A drift chamber gamma ray telescope under development (Hunter and Cuddapah 1989) will offer better sensitivity to polarization. The lateral position uncertainty will be improved by an order of magnitude. Also, if pair production occurs in the drift chamber gas (xenon at 2 bar) instead of tantalum foils, the effects of multiple Coulomb scattering will be reduced.
Other Subject(s)
Collection
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) Collection.
Note
Document ID: 19900013989.
Accession ID: 90N23305.
The Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) Science Symposium; p 125-132.
Terms of Use and Reproduction
No Copyright.
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