Speaker
Description
As transient sky polarimetry gains prominence in high-energy astrophysics, the SWIPE (Soft-X and gamma-ray WIde-field Polarimeter) mission concept introduces an integrated approach to photoelectric and Compton detection. In the 0.2–8 keV range, the mission employs gas mixture photoelectric absorption to maximize sensitivity and efficiency. For higher energies (20–1000 keV), the Compton scattering techniques are usually preferred. The SWIPE Compton polarimeter consists of an array of plastic and inorganic scintillator bars equipped with SiPMs or SDDs at both bar ends. While conventional Compton polarimeters typically reconstruct events using only the azimuthal scattering angle—thereby limiting off-axis performance—SWIPE’s readout configuration allows for Depth of Interaction (DOI) estimation. By analyzing the intensity ratio of the dual signals, the polar scattering enhancing sensitivity and mitigating systematic error. Here we present the SWIPE Compton polarimetry configuration alongside ongoing experimental activities dedicated to prototype development.