An X-ray view on compact objects in polarized light

Roma Tre University - Unit Activities

The activities of the Roma Tre Unit consisted in participation of polarimetric data interpretation and of theoretical modeling of polarization properties in accreting systems. In particular, spectra and polarization of the direct radiation from accretion disks around black holes have been studied taking into account the ionization state of the matter, as well as the polarization of reflected radiation from matter around a compact object when illuminated by thermal radiation. In addition, the polarization of the "torus" in Active Galactic Nuclei has been explored by using the MonteCarlo code SKIRT developed at the Ghent University.

IXPE data of Galactic accreting black hole binaries have also been studied and interpreted, highlighting the importance of polarimetry in the understanding of these systems.

Staff Members

Selected Publications

• Zhao Q.-C.,... Matt G., et al., The First X-Ray Polarimetry of GRS 1739─278 Reveals Its Rapidly Spinning Black Hole, ApJL, 997, 12 (2026)
• Marra L.,... Matt G., et al., Polarization properties of thermal accretion disk emission: I. Direct radiation, A&A, 705, 8 (2026)
• Ewing M.,... Matt G., et al., The very high X-ray polarization of accreting black hole IGR J17091‑3624 in the hard state, MNRAS, 541, 1774 (2025)
• Vander Meulen B.,... Matt G., et al., X-ray polarisation in AGN circumnuclear media: Polarisation framework and 2D torus models, A&A 689, 297 (2024)
• Marra L.,... Matt G., et al., Exploring MAXI J1744-294: IXPE insights into a Newly Discovered X-ray Transient, ApJ (submitted)
• Podgorny J.,... Matt G., et al., X-ray polarization of reflected thermal emission, A&A (submitted)

Conferences and Presentations