Polarization of intrinsic radiation of tidally distorted stars with electron-scattering atmospheres

Abstract

The variable linear polarization of the intrinsic radiation emitted by tidally distorted stars was computed with approximation of pure electron or Rayleigh scattering in the atmospheres. A precise form of the equipotential surfaces within the binary system Roche model, which approximates the form of the star surface, was taken into account. Calculations were made using the Sobolev (1949) and Chandrasekhar (1950) solutions of transport equations for an optically thick medium without true absorption. The behaviour of the Stokes polarization parametersQ/I andU/I and the dependence of these on the parameters of the (Q×U) plane. The possibility of establishing the inclination anglei of the system and the degree of filling the Roche-lobe μ from these curves is discussed. The conclusion is drawn that the amplitude of polarization variations is small, not generally exceeding 0.4%; however, in a number of cases it remains at the observable level.