Linear polarization of interstellar radio-frequency absorption lines and magnetic field direction

Details Linear polarization of interstellar radio-frequency absorption lines and magnetic field direction Linear polarization of interstellar radio-frequency absorption lines and magnetic field direction

Dec 1983

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1983apj...275..135k&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 275, Dec. 1, 1983, p. 135-144.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

14

Gravitational Collapse, Interstellar Extinction, Interstellar Magnetic Fields, Linear Polarization, Molecular Clouds, Radio Sources (Astronomy), Absorption Spectra, H Ii Regions, Radiative Transfer, Radio Spectra, Supernova Remnants, Zeeman Effect

Scientific paper

It is predicted that interstellar radio-frequency absorption lines in the direction of H II regions, supernova remnants, and hot cores of molecular clouds are linearly polarized. The amount of linear polarization may be as large as several percent if the optical depth is moderate and the number of extrema of the velocity component along the line of sight through the absorbing medium is small. The polarization is caused by the linear dichroism of the interstellar medium, which in turn arises from the non-LTE population of the magnetic sublevels. Analytic expressions are presented for the amount of polarization expected in radio-frequency lines from absorbing material undergoing one-dimensional, two-dimensional axisymmetric, and three-dimensional isotropic collapse. A relation is given between the polarization vector and the magnetic field direction. This relation applies when the Zeeman splitting exceeds both the collisional frequency and the radiative transition rate.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Linear polarization of interstellar radio-frequency absorption lines and magnetic field direction 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 Linear polarization of interstellar radio-frequency absorption lines and magnetic field direction, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Linear polarization of interstellar radio-frequency absorption lines and magnetic field direction will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1802545