Phase retardation of light due to scattering by interstellar nonspherical grains

Abstract

The phase retardation by cylindrical grains composed of pure (index of refraction, m=1.33 - i0.0) and dirty (m = 1.33 - i0.05) ice materials has been investigated. It has been found that the resulting interstellar circular polarization is likely to be more pronounced in the near-and far-infrared wavelength regions. The orientation of the grains, even in the case of dielectric materials, plays an important role in producing interstellar circular polarization.