The relationship between infrared, optical, and ultraviolet extinction

TLDR

A mean extinction law spanning 3.5 µm to 0.125 µm is derived from Fitzpatrick & Massa ultraviolet data and optical/near‑infrared sources, depending on a single parameter R(V)=A(V)/E(B–V) and applicable to both diffuse and dense interstellar regions. The authors provide an analytic expression for the mean extinction law that enables calculation of color excesses and dereddening of observations. The law’s wide wavelength validity implies that grain size and composition modifications are stochastic and highly efficient. Published in The Astrophysical Journal (Oct 1989), DOI 10.1086/167900.

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (9701) References (43) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The Relationship between Infrared, Optical, and Ultraviolet Extinction Cardelli, Jason A. ; Clayton, Geoffrey C. ; Mathis, John S. Abstract The parameterized extinction data of Fitzpatrick and Massa (1986, 1988) for the ultraviolet and various sources for the optical and near-infrared are used to derive a meaningful average extinction law over the 3.5 micron to 0.125 wavelength range which is applicable to both diffuse and dense regions of the interstellar medium. The law depends on only one parameter R(V) = A(V)/E(B-V). An analytic formula is given for the mean extinction law which can be used to calculate color excesses or to deredden observations. The validity of the law over a large wavelength interval suggests that the processes which modify the sizes and compositions of grains are stochastic in nature and very efficient. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: October 1989 DOI: 10.1086/167900 Bibcode: 1989ApJ...345..245C Keywords: Infrared Spectra; Interstellar Extinction; Ultraviolet Spectra; Visible Spectrum; Computational Astrophysics; Interstellar Matter; Iue; Astrophysics; INTERSTELLAR: MATTER; ULTRAVIOLET: SPECTRA full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (38) MAST (2)