Polynomial FITS for Polarization Estimation
Abstract
Polynomial fits for point and confidence interval estimation of the true "unbiased" degree of linear polarization have been determined for the graphical estimator curves presented by Simmons & Stewart (1985). These polynomial fits will aid researchers through their improved accuracy over the present graphical means of polarization estimation and also provide an analytic convenience for use in computers.
Polynomial expressions are given for the estimators PML (Maximum Likelihood Estimator), PW (Wardle & Kronberg's Most Probable Estimator) and for error estimates at the 68.3% (1σ), 95% and 99% confidence levels.- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- June 1991
- Bibcode:
- 1991A&A...246..280S
- Keywords:
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- polarization;
- numerical methods;
- error estimation