A characterization of the hot infrared background: The infrared cirrus, zodiacal dust bands, and solar system dust trails

Utilizing data from the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS), we have completed an investigation into the nature and properties of the principal components of the hot thermal background. These include the warm infrared cirrus, zodiacal dust bands, and cometary dust trails. A large set of high galactic latitude IRAS Skyflux maps were 'cleaned' using an image-space processor which we have developed. Using these enhanced infrared maps, 44 fields were identified which exhibit 'hot' 12 micron cirrus emission. A cooler, 100 micron emission can be seen in all of the fields, and there is at least a qualitative correlation between the 12 micron cirrus and diffuse optical emission. The relationship between the 12 and 100 micron emission was examined in two prominent cirrus complexes.