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Polarization properties of spherical interstellar grains on light scattering

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Abstract

On the basis of the Mie theory, the differential cross-section for polarization and the polarization efficiency are calculated for some spherical interstellar grains consisting of ice, silicate, or graphite in the ultraviolet, optical, and near infrared wavelengths. As far as the polarization due to scattering is concerned, these particles scatter light as Rayleigh scattering for 0<x≲1, wherex is the dimensionless size parameter. The polarization efficienties depend strongly on the value of the imaginary part (m″) of the refractive index of grain material whenx≪1: the efficiency takes a maximum value atx≃1 and decreases to zero asx approaches zero for the absorbing sphere such as the dielectric particle withm″≃0.1 or the graphite grain in the infrared wavelengths.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Astronomical Institute, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan

    Masafumi Matsumura

  2. College of General Education, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan

    Munezo Seki

Authors
  1. Masafumi Matsumura
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  2. Munezo Seki
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Matsumura, M., Seki, M. Polarization properties of spherical interstellar grains on light scattering. Astrophys Space Sci 126, 155–165 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00644183

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00644183

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