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Linear Polarization and the Dynamics of Circumstellar Disks of Classical Be Stars

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 January 2015

Robbie J. Halonen
Affiliation:
Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada, N6A 3K7 email: robbie.halonen@gmail.com
Carol E. Jones
Affiliation:
Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada, N6A 3K7 email: robbie.halonen@gmail.com
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Abstract

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The intrinsic linearly polarized light arising from electron scattering of stellar radiation in a non-spherically symmetric distribution of gas is a characterizing feature of classical Be stars. The distinct polarimetric signature provides a mean for directly probing the physical and geometric properties of the gaseous material enveloping these rapidly-rotating massive stars. Using a Monte Carlo radiative transfer computation and a self-consistent radiative equilibrium solution for the circumstellar gas, we explore the role of this observable signature in investigating the dynamical nature of classical Be star disks. In particular, we focus on the potential for using linearly polarized light to develop diagnostics of mass-loss events and to trace the evolution of the gas in a circumstellar disk. An informed context for interpreting the observed linear polarization signature can play an important role in identifying the physical process(es) which govern the formation and dissipation of the gaseous disks surrounding classical Be stars.

Type
Contributed Papers
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2015 

References

Halonen, R. J. & Jones, C. E. 2013a, ApJ 765, 17Google Scholar
Halonen, R. J. & Jones, C. E. 2013b, ApJS 208, 3Google Scholar
Sigut, T. A. A. & Jones, C. E. 2007, ApJ 668, 481CrossRefGoogle Scholar