Modeling the Polarization of Dusty Scattering Cones in Active Galactic Nuclei

Abstract

We have used the STOKES radiative transfer code, to model polarization induced by dust scattering in the polar regions of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). We discuss the wavelength-dependence of the spectral intensity and polarization over the optical/UV range at different viewing angles for two different types of dust: a Galactic dust model, and a dust model inferred from extinction properties of AGN. The STOKES code and documentation are freely available at http://www.stokes-program.info/.

2 pages, 1 figure, conference proceedings of the AGN meeting held in October 2006 in Xi'an, China. To appear in "The Central Engine of Active Galactic Nuclei", ed. L. C. Ho and J.-M. Wang (San Francisco: ASP)