Berlin 2014 – scientific programme

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EP: Fachverband Extraterrestrische Physik

EP 5: Postersitzung

EP 5.2: Poster

Tuesday, March 18, 2014, 16:30–18:30, DO24 Foyer

Helicity of cosmic gamma rays – a new observable for astrophysics — •Stanislav Tashenov¹ and Vladimir A. Yerokhin² — ¹Physikalisches Institut der Universität Heidelberg, Germany — ²Center for Advanced Studies, St. Petersburg State Polytechnical University, Russia

Linear polarization has recently added a new dimension to the gamma-ray astrophysics. Its measurements provide information about geometries, magnetic fields and emission mechanisms of the most energetic sites in the Universe. Circular polarization, or helicity, of cosmic gamma rays, however, still remains a terra incognita. Here we show that the latest developments in the laboratory electron-beam polarimetry pave the way for the helicity detection techniques compatible with the existing orbital telescopes. Armed with these techniques, we should be able to get hold of the helicity of cosmic gamma rays in a not-too-distant future.