The optical and near-infrared polarization properties of the OVV quasar 3C 345

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (70) References (56) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The Optical and Near-Infrared Polarization Properties of the OVV Quasar 3C 345 Smith, P. S. ; Balonek, T. J. ; Heckert, P. A. ; Elston, R. Abstract Detailed multiwavelength, optical and near-infrared photometric, and polarimetric monitoring of 3C 345, from early 1983 to the middle of 1984, reveals several properties of this OVV quasar not observed in other highly polarized extragalactic objects. The polarization of the optical emission was strongly correlated with brightness during this period. When 3C 345 was close to its peak brightness during the intense 1982 - 1983 outburst, the fractional polarization was at the highest recorded level for this quasar (35%). Strong wavelength-dependent fractional polarization was also observed throughout this period. The degree of optical linear polarization increased with wavelength. The polarization wavelength dependence is consistent with dilution of the synchrotron light by unpolarized emission from thermal gas. The authors interpret the wavelength-dependent near-infrared polarization as evidence for a second synchrotron component with different polarization characteristics than the component dominating at shorter wavelengths. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: June 1986 DOI: 10.1086/164261 Bibcode: 1986ApJ...305..484S Keywords: Astronomical Photometry; Infrared Astronomy; Optical Polarization; Polarimetry; Quasars; Accretion Disks; Astronomical Models; Brightness; Linear Polarization; Near Infrared Radiation; Thermal Emission; Wavelengths; Astrophysics; PHOTOMETRY; POLARIZATION; QUASARS; RADIATION MECHANISMS full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (1) NED (1)