Hard X-ray polarimetry by means of Rayleigh scattering

A new linear polarimetry technique based on Rayleigh scattering is introduced. Its properties are compared to the Compton technique. Experimental verification was realized using a 5×55×5 segmented planar HPGe pixel detector. In the proof-of-principle experiment a measurement of Rayleigh scattering off lead atoms was performed for linearly polarized ≈53.3keV photons at two scattering angles.