“Compton Polarimetry of Gamma-Ray Transients: Insights from Gamma-Ray Bursts to Solar Flares”
Compton polarimetry offers a unique window into the physics of high-energy astrophysical transients
by directly probing the geometry, magnetic field structure, and radiation mechanisms in extreme
environments. I will explore the transformative role of polarimetry in understanding gamma-ray
bursts (GRBs) and solar flares (SFs), two phenomena characterized by their energetic outbursts and
complex emission mechanisms.
For GRBs, polarimetry has the ability to provide critical constraints on jet composition, magnetic
field coherence, and radiation processes, offering a deeper understanding of relativistic outflows. I
will present key results from the POLAR mission, which detected 55 GRBs on-board the Tiangong-
2 Chinese space lab from September 2016 to April 2017. I will then discuss how the forthcoming
POLAR-2 mission, scheduled for a launch to the China Space Station in 2027, aims to extend these
studies with enhanced sensitivity and a broader sample size.
In the context of SFs, polarimetry sheds light on particle acceleration and magnetic reconnection
processes in the Sun’s atmosphere. I will discuss how the CUSP cubesat mission plans to probe
solar flare physics and improve our knowledge of space weather through hard X-ray polarization
measurements.
By examining these complementary sources, this seminar will highlight the critical insights gained
from Compton polarimetry and its future potential to unravel the mysteries of high-energy astro-
physics.