2 Feb 2005 | Jason W. Ferguson, David R. Alexander, France Allard, Travis Barman, Julia G. Bodnarik, Peter H. Hauschildt, Amanda Heffner-Wong, Akemi Tamanai
This paper updates and expands previous computations of low-temperature Rosseland and Planck mean opacities, incorporating a more complete equation of state with a wider range of grain species and updated optical constants. The inclusion of high-temperature condensates like Al₂O₃ and CaTiO₃ significantly affects total opacity over a narrow temperature range before the appearance of silicate grains. The new opacity tables cover temperatures from 30,000 K to 500 K and gas densities from 10⁻⁴ g cm⁻³ to 10⁻¹⁹ g cm⁻³. Comparisons with previous calculations show good agreement at high temperatures but more divergence at lower temperatures due to differences in molecular and grain physics. The computation of Planck mean opacities requires a large number of wavelength points, and previous results with fewer points are shown to be significantly inaccurate. Methods for obtaining the new tables are provided.This paper updates and expands previous computations of low-temperature Rosseland and Planck mean opacities, incorporating a more complete equation of state with a wider range of grain species and updated optical constants. The inclusion of high-temperature condensates like Al₂O₃ and CaTiO₃ significantly affects total opacity over a narrow temperature range before the appearance of silicate grains. The new opacity tables cover temperatures from 30,000 K to 500 K and gas densities from 10⁻⁴ g cm⁻³ to 10⁻¹⁹ g cm⁻³. Comparisons with previous calculations show good agreement at high temperatures but more divergence at lower temperatures due to differences in molecular and grain physics. The computation of Planck mean opacities requires a large number of wavelength points, and previous results with fewer points are shown to be significantly inaccurate. Methods for obtaining the new tables are provided.