{
  "id": "0906.0559",
  "version": "v1",
  "published": "2009-06-02T19:08:52.000Z",
  "updated": "2009-06-02T19:08:52.000Z",
  "title": "X-ray Polarization from Black Holes in the Thermal State",
  "authors": [
    "Jeremy D. Schnittman",
    "Julian H. Krolik"
  ],
  "comment": "6 pages, 3 figures, proceedings of \"The Coming of Age of X-ray Polarimetry,\" Rome, Italy, April 27-30, 2009",
  "categories": [
    "astro-ph.HE"
  ],
  "abstract": "We present new calculations of X-ray polarization from black hole accretion disks in the thermally-dominated state, using a Monte-Carlo ray-tracing code in full general relativity. In contrast to many previously published studies, our approach allows us to include returning radiation that is deflected by the strong-field gravity of the BH and scatters off of the disk before reaching a distant observer. Although carrying a relatively small fraction of the total observed flux, the scattered radiation tends to be highly polarized and in a direction perpendicular to the direct radiation. We show how these new features of the polarization spectra may be developed into a powerful tool for measuring black hole spin and probing the gas flow in the innermost disk.",
  "revisions": [
    {
      "version": "v1",
      "updated": "2009-06-02T19:08:52.000Z"
    }
  ],
  "analyses": {
    "keywords": [
      "x-ray polarization",
      "thermal state",
      "black hole accretion disks",
      "measuring black hole spin",
      "full general relativity"
    ],
    "note": {
      "typesetting": "TeX",
      "pages": 6,
      "language": "en",
      "license": "arXiv",
      "status": "editable",
      "inspire": 822086
    }
  }
}