The IXPE Science of Pulsars and Their Nebulae

Abstract

Pulsars (PSRs) and Pulsar Wind Nebulae (PWNe) form some of the most interesting high-energy astrophysical systems. Their prominent synchrotron emission makes them ideal candidates for polarimetry. Here, after briefly summarizing the scientific rationale underpinning the importance of their polarimetric studies, we review the current status and achievements obtained by the IXPE mission. For the first time, we have space- and phase-resolved X-ray data that allow us to set constraints on the geometry and level of turbulence of the magnetic field which, in turn, can help us to better understand which acceleration and radiation model(s) might be at work in these systems. Interestingly, PWNe show a large variety in terms of polarization degree that might indicate key physical differences, still to be further investigated.

Keywords

• polarization
• radiation mechanism: non-thermal
• pulsars: general
• supernova remnants
• magnetic fields
• X-rays: general