The emission polarization of RX J1856.5-3754

Tbilisi State University, Chavchavadze Avenue 3, 0128, Tbilisi, Georgia e-mail: n.chkheidze@gmail.com

Received: 12 January 2009
Accepted: 18 March 2009

Abstract

The polarization properties of RX J1856.5-3754 are investigated, based on the plasma emission model presented in previous works. It is shown that if the emission of this source is generated by the synchrotron mechanism, then the X-ray and the optical emission should be linearly polarized and the corresponding degrees of linear polarization are calculated. The change of the position angle through the observable period is investigated. According to the model, the position angle should undergo a full-circle rotation more than once within this period. This unusual behaviour of the position angle is a prediction of the model and its detection would be a strong argument in favour of it. The measurement of the polarization patterns of this source appears to be the most reliable way to make clear its real emission nature.