The polarization of thermal radiation from supermassive accretion disks

Thermal radiation from an accretion disk is a promising explanation for the optical-ultraviolet 'bump' noted in the spectra of active galactic nuclei. However, the expected polarization of radiation from a standard thin disk conflicts with observation. The polarization of light emitted by a thin disk with a rough surface and by a thick disk (radiation torus) is computed. Improved agreement with observations is found, particularly in the case of a thick disk.