Polarization of 2MASS AGN
Smith, Schmidt, Hines, Cutri, & Nelson
2MASS AGN most strongly polarized sample of radio quiet AGN
- 11/89 2MASS red AGN have optical broadband Pɯ%, with max P=11% (no PG QSOs have Pɯ%)
- Host galaxy dilutes light in some, so %P lower limit
- Intermediate types (1.5-1.9) highest polarized fraction (23%)
- Highest degree of polarization seen in reddest objects
-
Spectropolarimetry of two 2MASS AGN shows
highly polarized broad lines
- Viewing obscured BLR in scattered light