Tree-Structured Grid Model of Line and Polarization Variability from Massive Binaries
Abstract
We have developed a 3-D Monte Carlo radiative transfer model which computes line and continuum polarization variability for a binary system with an optically thick non-axisymmetric envelope. This allows us to investigate the complex (phase-locked) line and continuum polarization variability features displayed by many massive binaries: W-R+O, O+O, etc. An 8-way tree data structure constructed via a ``cell-splitting'' method allows for high precision with efficient use of computer resources. The model is not restricted to binary systems; it can easily be adapted to a system with an arbitrary density distribution and large density gradients. As an application to a real system, the phase dependent Stokes parameters (I, Q, U) and the phase dependent He I (5876) profiles of the massive binary system V444 Cyg (WN5+O6 III-V) are computed.
Cite
@article{arxiv.astro-ph/0109355,
title = {Tree-Structured Grid Model of Line and Polarization Variability from Massive Binaries},
author = {R. Kurosawa and D. J. Hillier},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:astro-ph/0109355},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
11 pages, 14 figures, accepted by Astronomy & Astrophysics