Abstract
The production of discrete line and broad-band extinction by small interstellar oxide and silicate particles is discussed quantitatively. Restrictions on particle size and refractive index that are required to produce ‘pure’ absorption features are reviewed. The relationship between optical depth in interstellar extinction and absorption coefficients for bulk materials is used to reach some general conclusions concerning the diffuse interstellar features, VUV extinction and the composition of interstellar dust. It is noted that charge transfer bands of ions such as Fe3+ may be detectable in the VUV spectrum of dust. Several effects that lead to the enhancement of oscillator strength by 103–104 in small particles are discussed.
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Duley, W.W. Absorption bands and extinction in small interstellar particles. Astrophys Space Sci 78, 145–156 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00654029
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00654029