2002A&A...391..625Y

We present broadband optical polarimetry of the carbon star R Scl, primarily in the VR_CI_C bands. Polarimetric variability was detected on time-scales from hours to years. The polarization of R Scl showed a ~λ^–4 wavelength-dependence, which we attribute to scattering by small amorphous carbon dust grains. We deduce the properties of the circumstellar condensations in which the scattering takes place, and find consistency with infrared data if the condensations move in eccentric orbits. We also conclude that the condensations are tidally dispersed on a time-scale ∼1 day. On longer time-scales, polarimetric variations may possibly be linked with photometric variations.