| Abstract: | The polarization from a spot orbiting around Schwarzschild and extreme Kerr black holes is studied. We assume different models of local polarization. Firstly, as a toy model we set the local polarization vector either normal to the disc plane, or perpendicular to the toroidal magnetic field. Then we examine the more realistic situation with a spot arising due to the emission from the primary source above the disc. We employ either Rayleigh single scattering or Compton multiple scattering approximations. The time dependence of the degree and angle of polarization during the spot revolution is examined as a function of the observer's inclination angle and black hole angular momentum. The gravitational and Doppler shifts, lensing effect as well as time delays are taken into account. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) |
