The size distribution of interstellar particles. II - Polarization

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (58) References (30) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The size distribution of interstellar particles. Mathis, J. S. Abstract The linear and circular polarizations of infinite dielectric cylinders of the graphite-silicate mixture with a truncated power-law size distribution proposed by Mathis, Rumpl and Nordsieck (1977) as a model of interstellar particles are calculated. Particles above a specified minimum size are assumed to have perfect Davis-Greenstein alignment, and an index of refraction of 1.6 is used. Results are found to be in good agreement with observations of interstellar extinction between 0.1 and 1 micron, the wavelength dependence of linear and circular polarization, and the albedo and phase function of diffuse galactic light between 0.18 and 0.6 microns, for a maximum particle size of 0.28 micron, a minimum particle size of 0.005 micron and a minimum aligned particle size of 0.08 micron. Observations of mass loss in carbon- and oxygen-rich stars are also noted in support of the proposed graphite-silicate composition of the interstellar grain mixture. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: September 1979 DOI: 10.1086/157335 Bibcode: 1979ApJ...232..747M Keywords: Circular Polarization; Dielectric Polarization; Graphite; Interstellar Matter; Linear Polarization; Mass Distribution; Particle Size Distribution; Spatial Distribution; Carbon; Interstellar Extinction; Mathematical Models; Oxygen; Particle Density (Concentration); Particle Mass; Silicates; Stellar Mass Ejection; Astrophysics; Interstellar Grains:Sizes; Interstellar Matter:Polarization full text sources ADS |