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Observation of interstellar polarization at 2. 2 and 3. 8 microns

Journal Article · · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/185619· OSTI ID:6997349
 [1]
  1. Kyoto Univ. (Japan) Hawaii Univ., Honolulu (USA)
Interstellar linear polarization has been observed in the K (2.2 micron) and L-prime (3.8 micron) bands for 30 stars. The K band results generally agree with the previous measurements. The L-prime polarization, obtained for the first time, is larger for most stars than Serkowski's (1974) and Wilking's (1980) empirical formulas predict. From these observations, a power-law dependence of polarization of about wavelength exp-2 in the wavelength range of 1.25-2.2 microns is proposed; this dependence is similar to that of interstellar extinction. The decrease of polarization from K to L-prime is even slower than this power-law. This might be also similar to the extinction law, but confirmation by further observations is necessary. 35 refs.
OSTI ID:
6997349
Journal Information:
Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 348; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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