Linearly polarized radiation from astrophysical masers due to magnetic fields of intermediate strength

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (45) References (29) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Linearly Polarized Radiation from Astrophysical Masers Due to Magnetic Fields of Intermediate Strength Nedoluha, Gerald E. ; Watson, William D. Abstract Previous solutions for polarization of astrophysical maser radiation due to closed-shell molecules in a magnetic field have potentially serious limitations. These solutions are mostly based on the approximation that the Zeeman frequency g-Omega is much greater than the rate for stimulated emission R and the rate for decay Gamma of the molecular state. Others are asymptotic solutions obtained for an angular momentum J = 1-0 transition. It has been unclear whether the polarizations due to plausible Zeeman splittings are adequately represented by the solutions obtained for g-Omega/Gamma much greater than 1 and g-Omega/R much greater than 1. Actual masing transitions tend to involve molecular states with angular momenta that are higher than J = 1 and 0. Numerical solutions for the linear polarization are presented here which do not have the foregoing restrictions on the g-Omega and which are not limited to a J = 1-0 transition. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: May 1990 DOI: 10.1086/168723 Bibcode: 1990ApJ...354..660N Keywords: Interstellar Magnetic Fields; Interstellar Masers; Linear Polarization; Magnetic Effects; Polarized Radiation; Giant Stars; Interstellar Gas; Spectrum Analysis; Stellar Evolution; Zeeman Effect; Astrophysics; INTERSTELLAR: MAGNETIC FIELDS; INTERSTELLAR: MOLECULES; MASERS; MOLECULAR PROCESSES; POLARIZATION full text sources ADS |