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Optical properties of interstellar graphite and silicate grains
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1984
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The authors compute dielectric functions for graphite and silicate using laboratory and astronomical data, derive electric and magnetic dipole cross‑section formulas, evaluate absorption cross‑sections for particles 0.003–1 µm across 300 Å–1000 µm, and calculate MRN mixture extinction curves compared with observations. The study finds that magnetic dipole absorption is significant for graphite, that interstellar silicate grains are mainly oblate, and that the modeled extinction curves agree well with infrared observations. Published in The Astrophysical Journal (Oct 1984, DOI 10.1086/162480).
view Abstract Citations (3591) References (88) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Optical Properties of Interstellar Graphite and Silicate Grains Draine, B. T. ; Lee, H. M. Abstract The dielectric functions for graphite and astronomical silicate material are computed using available laboratory and astronomical data. It is noted that the magnetic dipole contribution to absorption in the infrared wavelengths can be important for conducting particles such as graphite. Formulas are given for evaluating electric and magnetic dipole cross-sections for small particles. Absorption cross-sections are evaluated for graphite and silicate particles with sizes between 0.003 and 1.0 microns, and wavelengths from 300 A to 1000 microns. On the basis of polarization profiles computed for both prolate and oblate graphite-silicate spheroids, it is concluded that interstellar silicate grain are predominantly oblate. Extinction curves are calculated for Mathis-Rumpl-Nordsieck graphite-silicate grain mixtures and are compared to observations. The model is found to be in good agreement with available infrared observations. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: October 1984 DOI: 10.1086/162480 Bibcode: 1984ApJ...285...89D Keywords: Granular Materials; Graphite; Interstellar Matter; Optical Properties; Silicates; Absorption Cross Sections; Infrared Astronomy; Opacity; Particle Interactions; Scattering Cross Sections; Astrophysics full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (6) Related Materials (1) Erratum: 1987ApJ...318..485D