On the polarization mechanism in the R Mon/NGC 2261 complex

The detection of circular polarization in R Mon and NGC 2261 is reported. This detection implies that the mechanism responsible for the linear and circular polarization is most likely multiple scattering in a flattened distribution. It replaces the previously suggested scenario where dichroic extinction by elongated dust grains aligned by a toroidal magnetic field was producing the polarization. The multiple scattering interpretation of linear polarization maps also means that these maps now provide direct evidence for a circumstellar disk around R Mon and possibly around many other young stellar objects

Complex resonance frequencies of a finite, circular radiating duct with an infinite flange

Radiation by solid or fluid bodies can be characterized by resonance modes. They are complex, as well as resonance frequencies, because of the energy loss due to radiation. For ducts, they can be computed from the knowledge of the radiation impedance matrix. For the case of a flanged duct of finite length radiating on one side in an infinite medium, the expression of this matrix was given by Zorumski, using a decomposition in duct modes. In order to calculate the resonance frequencies, the formulation used in Zorumski's theory must be modified as it is not valid for complex frequencies. The analytical development of the Green's function in free space used by Zorumski depends on the integrals of Bessel functions which become divergent for complex frequencies. This paper proposes first a development of the Green's function which is valid for all frequencies. Results are applied to the calculation of the complex resonance frequencies of a flanged duct, by using a formulation of the internal pressure based upon cascade impedance matrices. Several series of resonance modes are found, each series being shown to be related to a dominant duct mode. Influence of higher order duct modes and the results for several fluid densities is presented and discussed

Polarization of stars with debris disks: comparing observations with models

The $Herschel$ Space telescope carried out an unprecedented survey of nearby stars for debris disks. The dust present in these debris disks scatters and polarizes stellar light in the visible part of the spectrum. We explore what can be learned with aperture polarimetry and detailed radiative transfer modelling about stellar systems with debris disks. We present a polarimetric survey, with measurements from the literature, of candidate stars observed by DEBRIS and DUNES $Herschel$ surveys. We perform a statistical analysis of the polarimetric data with the detection of far-infrared excess by $Herschel$ and $Spitzer$ with a sample of 223 stars. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine the effects of various model parameters on the polarization level and find the mass required for detection with current instruments. Eighteen stars were detected with a polarization $0.01 \le P \lesssim 0.1$ per cent and $\ge3\sigma_P$, but only two of them have a debris disk. No statistically significant difference is found between the different groups of stars, with, without, and unknown status for far-infrared excess, and presence of polarization. The simulations show that the integrated polarization is rather small, usually $< 0.01$ per cent for typical masses detected by their far-infrared excess for hot and most warm disks. Masses observed in cold disks can produce polarization levels above $0.01$ per cent since there is usually more dust in them than in closer disks. We list five factors which can explain the observed low-polarization detection rate. Observations with high-precision polarimeters should lead to additional constraints on models of unresolved debris disks.Comment: Corrected some quotations and typos and deleted superfluous references. 20 pages, 5 figure

The Alignment of the Magnetic Field and Collimated Outflows in Star-forming Regions: the Case of NGC 2071

The magnetic field is believed to play a crucial role in the process of star formation. From the support it provides during the initial collapse of molecular clouds to the creation of strong collimated jets responsible for large mass losses, current theories predict its importance in many different stages during the formation of stars. Here we report on observational evidence which tests one aspect that can be inferred from these theories: the alignment between the local magnetic field and collimated bipolar outflows in such environments. There is good evidence of an alignment in the case of NGC 2071.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figure