ORCID
0000-0002-5202-1642
Date of Award
5-9-2024
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Type
Dissertation
Abstract
X-ray polarimetry is a new tool for exploring the geometries and underlying physical processes at work in cosmic X-ray sources. This thesis focuses on the roles of two X-ray polarimetry missions, IXPE and XL-Calibur, to measure the polarization of the X-rays from black holes and neutron stars. By covering a wide energy range, 2-8 keV for IXPE and 15-80 keV for XL-Calibur, and utilizing different measurement techniques, these missions offer complementary insights into the physics of compact X-ray sources. Both missions are suited to study the X-rays emitted by the jets of AGNs and blazars, which are often polarized due to synchrotron emission. The polarization of the X-rays can provide insights into the mechanisms accelerating particles to relativistic speeds and the orientation and the structure of magnetic fields at different scales within the jets. My graduate work includes preparing XL-Calibur for its 2022 transatlantic balloon flight. I developed and tested the 12-meter truss for XL-Calibur and improved its hard X-ray polarimeter, lowering the energy threshold and boosting sensitivity. A significant portion of my theoretical work is dedicated to studying Blazar Markarian 501, providing insights into its X-ray polarization characteristics. I improved a synchrotron self-Compton code to model the multiwavelength spectral energy distribution and polarization properties of Mrk 501 in anisotropic magnetic fields.
Language
English (en)
Chair and Committee
Henric Krawczynski
Recommended Citation
Lisalda, Lindsey, "Development of the XL-Calibur Hard X-ray Polarimetry Mission and Insights into Blazar Markarian 501 Through X-ray Polarimetric Observations with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE)" (2024). Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3041.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/art_sci_etds/3041