The Slope of the Near Infrared Extinction Law

TL;DR

This study measures the near-infrared extinction law's slope across multiple Galactic regions, finding a steeper value than previously reported, due to improved methodology involving effective wavelengths and curved reddening tracks.

Contribution

It introduces a refined method for determining the extinction law slope using effective wavelengths and curved reddening tracks, resolving discrepancies with earlier studies.

Findings

Average extinction law slope α = 2.14^{+0.04}_{-0.05}

Previous laws underestimated α due to filter wavelength assumptions

Methodology improves accuracy of extinction law measurements

Abstract

We determine the slope of the near infrared extinction power law (A$_{\lambda} \propto \lambda^{-\alpha}$) for 8 regions of the Galaxy between l$\sim27^{\circ}$ and $\sim100^{\circ}$. UKIDSS Galactic Plane Survey data are compared, in colour-colour space, with Galactic population synthesis model data reddened using a series of power laws and convolved through the UKIDSS filter profiles. Monte Carlo simulations allow us to determine the best fit value of $\alpha$ and evaluate the uncertainty. All values are consistent with each other giving an average extinction power law of $\alpha$=2.14$^{+0.04}_{-0.05}$. This is much steeper than most laws previously derived in the literature from colour excess ratios, which are typically between 1.6 and 1.8. We show that this discrepancy is due to an inappropriate choice of filter wavelength in conversion from colour excess ratios to $\alpha$ and that effective rather than isophotal wavelengths are more appropriate. In addition, curved reddening tracks, which depend on spectral type and filter system, should be used instead of straight vectors.