Dichroic polarization at mid-infrared wavelengths: a Bayesian approach

Abstract

A fast and general Bayesian inference framework to infer the physical properties of dichroic polarization using mid-infrared imaging- and spectro-polarimetric observations is presented. The Bayesian approach is based on a hierarchical regression and No-U-Turn Sampler method. This approach simultaneously infers the normalized Stokes parameters to find the full family of solutions that best describe the observations. In comparison with previous methods, the developed Bayesian approach allows the user to introduce a customized absorptive polarization component based on the dust composition, and the appropriate extinction curve of the object. This approach allows the user to obtain more precise estimations of the magnetic field strength and geometry for tomographic studies, and information about the dominant polarization components of the object. Based on this model, imaging-polarimetric observations using two or three filters located in the central 9.5-10.5 $\mu$m, and the edges 8-9 $\mu$m and/or 11-13 $\mu$m, of the wavelength range are recommended to optimally disentangle the polarization mechanisms.

7 pages, 4 figures. Accepted for publication by MNRAS

References in corpus (6)

• Tracing Magnetic Fields with Aligned Grains
• Gemini Mid-IR Polarimetry of NGC1068: Polarized Structures Around the Nucleus
• Modeling Grain Alignment by Radiative Torques and Hydrogen Formation Torques in Reflection Nebula
• Single Colour Diagnostics of the Mass-to-light Ratio: Predictions from Galaxy Formation Models
• Polarized Mid-Infrared Synchrotron Emission in the Core of Cygnus A
• Magnetic Field Structures in Star Forming Regions: Mid-Infrared Imaging Polarimetry of K3-50

Cited by in corpus (3)

• The highly polarized dusty emission core of Cygnus A
• Mid-infrared imaging- and spectro-polarimetric subarcsecond observations of NGC 1068
• Infrared polarimetry of Mrk 231: Scattering off hot dust grains in the central core