Herschel Space Observatory - Theoretical Research Proposal #1010

Improved Models for Dust Opacities

Principal Investigator: Bruce Draine   
           Institution: Princeton University

Dollars Approved: 186558

Abstract:
The PACS and SPIRE instruments on Herschel will produce images of thermal emission
from interstellar dust.   Interpretation of these images will rely on models for the
wavelength-dependent dust opacity.  The proposed research is directed toward
developing improved models for interstellar dust opacities and thermal emission in
the Milky Way and other galaxies, to be used in interpretation of far-infrared and
sub-millimeter emission observed by PACS and SPIRE.
Specific research topics include:
(1) sensitivity of the dust emission spectrum to the spectrum of the
radiation heating the dust; (2) whether observed galaxy-to-galaxy variations in PAH
emission spectra are the result of variations in PAH ionization; (3) the nature of
the carbonaceous component of interstellar dust; (4) study of the wavelength- and
temperature-dependence of the far-infrared/submm opacity of interstellar dust; (5)
improved dielectric functions for astrosilicate material; (6) investigation of the
opacity of dust in the 3-8 micron region.