Simulation of a Xe-based X-ray Polarimeter at 10–30 keV

Abstract

Polarization detection of X-rays is a non-negligible topic to astrophysical observation. Many polarization detection methods have been well developed for X-rays in the energy range below 10 keV, while the detection at 10–30 keV is rarely discussed. This paper presents a simulation study of a Xe-based gas pixel detector, which can achieve the polarization detection of X-rays at 10–30 keV. To verify the emission angle distribution of photoelectrons, different electromagnetic models in Geant4 were investigated. After a necessary modification by considering the missing factor when sampling the emission angle, a good agreement can be achieved. Moreover, the detection capability of 20 keV polarized photons was discussed and the modulation factor of 43% could be obtained.