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On understanding the figures of merit for detection and measurement of x-ray polarization

2 Pith papers cite this work. Polarity classification is still indexing.

2 Pith papers citing it
abstract

The prospects for accomplishing X-ray polarization measurements appear to have grown in recent years after a more than 35-year hiatus. Unfortunately, this long hiatus has brought with it some confusion over the statistical uncertainties associated with polarization measurements of astronomical sources. The heart of this confusion stems from a misunderstanding (or potential misunderstanding) of a standard figure of merit-the minimum detectable polarization (MDP)-that one of us introduced many years ago. We review the relevant statistics, and quantify the differences between the MDP and the uncertainty of an actual polarization measurement. We discuss the implications for future missions.

citation-role summary

method 1

citation-polarity summary

fields

astro-ph.HE 2

years

2026 2

roles

method 1

polarities

use method 1

representative citing papers

Tracking down the broadband polarimetric properties of PG 1553+113

astro-ph.HE · 2026-05-12 · unverdicted · novelty 4.0

New IXPE X-ray polarimetry and optical monitoring of PG 1553+113 reveal variable polarization and a large EVPA swing, supporting jet models with related but non-co-spatial X-ray and optical emission regions.

The hitchhiker's guide to the IXPE data analysis

astro-ph.HE · 2026-04-03 · accept · novelty 2.0

A user-oriented guide that collects best practices, data formats, and analysis strategies for extracting polarimetric information from IXPE observations.

citing papers explorer

Showing 2 of 2 citing papers.

  • Tracking down the broadband polarimetric properties of PG 1553+113 astro-ph.HE · 2026-05-12 · unverdicted · none · ref 177 · internal anchor

    New IXPE X-ray polarimetry and optical monitoring of PG 1553+113 reveal variable polarization and a large EVPA swing, supporting jet models with related but non-co-spatial X-ray and optical emission regions.

  • The hitchhiker's guide to the IXPE data analysis astro-ph.HE · 2026-04-03 · accept · none · ref 24

    A user-oriented guide that collects best practices, data formats, and analysis strategies for extracting polarimetric information from IXPE observations.