Polarization of X-rays and Gamma-Rays produced by Thunderstorms and Lightning

Abstract:

Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs), thunderstorm gamma-ray glows and x-rays from lightning are produced by bremsstrahlung emissions from runaway electrons. These runaway electrons are accelerated by strong electric fields inside thunderstorms and/or near lightning leader channels. Both the bremsstrahlung emission and subsequent Compton scattering result in partially polarized x-rays and gamma-rays, which could potentially be measured, providing insight into the geometry of the source region. To investigate the x-ray and gamma-ray polarization from runaway electron emissions and photon propagation, the REAM Monte Carlo code has been modified to calculate and keep track of individual photon polarization states. Polarization results from these Monte Carlo simulations will be presented, and the possibility of measuring the polarization from the ground, in situ by aircraft or balloons, and by spacecraft will be discussed.