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On the Orientation of Dust Grains in Interstellar Space

Citation

Miller, Charles Robert (1962) On the Orientation of Dust Grains in Interstellar Space. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/9A8Q-2G27. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:08032011-143635344

Abstract

The observed polarization of starlight is regarded as being due to absorption by interstellar dust. A mechanism for alignment of the dust grains, due to Davis and Greenstein, is analyzed. A dissipative torque, due to paramagnetic relaxation in the grains, tends to line up a spinning dust grain in the interstellar magnetic field. This aligning torque is opposed by the randomizing effect of collisions with interstellar hydrogen. The aim of this paper is to find the distribution of orientations which results. The analysis is carried out through use of the Fokker-Planck equation. The solution is carried to completion for the case of small magnetic fields and nearly spherical dust grains, and the resulting polarization parameter is found. The spectrum of relaxation times due to the collisions is also found.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Physics and Mathematics)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Physics
Minor Option:Mathematics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Christy, Robert F. (advisor)
  • Mathews, Jon (advisor)
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1 January 1962
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:08032011-143635344
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:08032011-143635344
DOI:10.7907/9A8Q-2G27
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:6571
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Tony Diaz
Deposited On:18 Aug 2011 23:08
Last Modified:21 Dec 2023 20:43

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