An atlas of Monte Carlo models of dust extinction in galaxies for cosmological applications

We present an extensive study of the radiative transfer in dusty galaxies based on Monte Carlo simulations. The main output of these simulations are the attenuation curves A(lambda) (i.e., the ratio between the observed, dust extinguished, total intensity to the intrinsic unextinguished one of the galaxy as a function of wavelength). We have explored the dependence of A(lambda) on a conspicuous set of quantities (Hubble type, inclination, dust optical thickness, dust distribution, and extinction properties) for a large wavelength interval, ranging from 1250 Angstrom to the K band, thus finally providing a comprehensive atlas of dust extinction in galaxies, which is electronically available. This study is particularly suitable for inclusion into galaxy formation evolution models and to directly interpret observational data on high-redshift galaxies.