Strong-gravity effects acting on polarization from orbiting spots

Abstract

Accretion onto black holes often proceeds via an accretion disc or a temporary disc-like pattern. Variability features, observed in the light curves of such objects, and theoretical models of accretion flows suggest that accretion discs are inhomogeneous and non-axisymmetric. Fast orbital motion of the individual clumps can modulate the observed signal. If the emission from these clumps is partially polarized, which is likely the case, then rapid polarization changes of the observed signal are expected as a result of general relativity effects.

6 pages, 2 figures; proceedings of "The Coming of Age of X-ray Polarimetry," Rome, Italy, April 27-30, 2009