Magnetic nanoparticles in the interstellar medium: Emission spectrum and polarization

B. T. Draine, Brandon Hensley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

125 Scopus citations

Abstract

The presence of ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic nanoparticles in the interstellar medium would give rise to magnetic dipole radiation at microwave and submillimeter frequencies. Such grains may account for the strong millimeter-wavelength emission observed from a number of low-metallicity galaxies, including the Small Magellanic Cloud. We calculate the absorption and scattering cross sections for such grains, with particular attention to metallic Fe, magnetite Fe3O4, and maghemite γ-Fe 2O3, all potentially present in the interstellar medium. The rate of Davis-Greenstein alignment by magnetic dissipation is also estimated. We determine the temperature of free-flying magnetic grains heated by starlight and calculate the polarization of the magnetic dipole emission from both free-fliers and inclusions. For inclusions, the magnetic dipole emission is expected to be polarized orthogonally relative to the normal electric dipole radiation. Magnetic dipole radiation will contribute significantly to the 20-40 GHz anomalous microwave emission only if a large fraction of the Fe is in metallic Fe iron nanoparticles with extreme elongations. Finally, we present self-consistent dielectric functions for metallic Fe, magnetite Fe 3O4, and maghemite γ-Fe2O3, enabling calculation of absorption and scattering cross sections from microwave to X-ray wavelengths.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number159
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume765
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 10 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Keywords

  • dust, extinction
  • infrared: ISM
  • infrared: galaxies
  • polarization
  • radiation mechanisms: thermal
  • radio continuum: ISM

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Magnetic nanoparticles in the interstellar medium: Emission spectrum and polarization'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this