On the optical properties of bacterial grains, I

Abstract

We compute the detailed optical properties over the waveband 0.8 μm−1≲λ≲10 μm−1 for the bacterial grain model which we have discussed earlier. A model comprised of three biologically derived components, modified under interstellar conditions, is shown to be in close correspondence with the observed properties of interstellar dust. Data on interstellar extinction and polarization may be accounted for by this model.