High Energy Polarization and the Crab: Historical Remarks

Abstract

In this paper we first provide a brief history of the handful of X-ray polarization measurements that have been accomplished to date. We then outline new technological developments that indicate more detailed polarization measurements in this important band of the spectrum can, and should be, accomplished in the near future. Finally, we depart somewhat from our original assignment and mention a preliminary result of the most recent observation of the Crab with the Chandra X-Ray Observatory and compare measurement of the X-ray spectral index as a function of pulse phase with optical polarization measurements that will be presented in detail elsewhere in these proceedings.