The wavelength dependence of interstellar linear polarization - Stars with extreme values of lambda/max/

Abstract

Infrared polarimetry of 13 stars with predominantly extreme values of maximum wavelength, less than 0.47 or more than 0.67 microns, has permitted a more accurate determination of the wavelength dependence of interstellar linear polarization from 0.30 to 2.2 microns. Combining the new data with previous data results in an improved description of the variation of K with maximum wavelength from 32 stars. Infrared polarimetry of Kappa Cas can be combined with existing ultraviolet and optical polarimetry to suggest that the broadening of the normalized linear polarization curve in the near ultraviolet is significant for stars with maximum wavelength of less than 0.55 microns.