Theoretical wavelength dependence of polarization in early-type stars

Details Theoretical wavelength dependence of polarization in early-type stars Theoretical wavelength dependence of polarization in early-type stars

Aug 1976

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1976apj...208..253h&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal, vol. 208, Aug. 15, 1976, pt. 1, p. 253-266.

Physics

Optics

20

Atmospheric Optics, Early Stars, Polarization Characteristics, Stellar Atmospheres, Wavelengths, B Stars, Hot Stars, Paschen Series, Radiative Transfer, Stellar Rotation, Wolf-Rayet Stars

Scientific paper

The wavelength dependence of linear polarization produced by electron scattering and modified by an absorptive opacity in the extended, distorted atmospheres of early-type stars is examined theoretically. When we use an iterative scheme, the equation of radiative transfer for plane polarized light is solved numerically for four model atmospheres representing a Wolf-Rayet star and three types of Be star. The extended, but heretofore spherically symmetric, atmosphere models are now assumed to have the shapes of either a rigidly rotating star (called a Roche model) or a truncated disk. The asymmetry provides polarization in the net observable flux. The amount of this polarization and its wavelength dependence are investigated and compared to observations. It is found that only a highly flattened disk can provide polarization in excess of 1 percent as is sometimes observed. The wavelength dependence of the models agrees with the observed shape of the polarization curve between the Paschen and Balmer edges, but does not predict an increase in polarization longward of the Paschen continuum nor as sharp a decrease shortward of the Balmer continuum as is observed.

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