Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Dec 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006aspc..358..256d&link_type=abstract
Solar Polarization 4, ASP Conference Series, Vol. 358, Proceedings of the conference held 19-23 September, 2005, in Boulder, Col
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Scientific paper
We formulate the problem of the calculation of depolarizing isotropic collisions, which are a fundamental ingredient for realistic studies of solar polarization based on the Hanle effect. We present a semi-classical collisional theory that we developed over the last few years, and applied to all simple atoms and to some specific cases of complex atoms. A fundamental result that justifies our approach is that the depolarization process depends strongly on the intermediate range of the interatomic separations, which are accurately described by our semi-classical approach. We present the first results obtained for the collisional depolarization and polarization of rovibrational levels of diatomic molecules. We computed depolarization and polarization transfer rates for all rotational levels J=1,ldots,99 with vibrational quantum numbers v=0,1,2,3 of the SiO molecule. This could help understanding the role of isotropic collisions in the formation of the very interesting polarized lines of C2 and MgH observed in the solar photosphere. Current spectro-polarimetric observations allow us to learn a lot about the physical conditions of the medium where the spectral lines form, provided that we understand the underlying physics. In this context, we draw the attention to the importance of collisions in solar physics, and in astrophysics in general, in order to keep abreast of the observational advances brought by new instrumentation.
No associations
LandOfFree
Calculation of Depolarization and Polarization Rates by Isotropic Collisions with Neutral Hydrogen does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Calculation of Depolarization and Polarization Rates by Isotropic Collisions with Neutral Hydrogen, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Calculation of Depolarization and Polarization Rates by Isotropic Collisions with Neutral Hydrogen will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1240998