Circular polarization of astrophysical masers due to overlap of Zeeman components

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/184594· OSTI ID:6103590

Deguchi, S; Watson, W D

Calculational methods are presented and utilized in an idealized case to evaluate the polarization due to the overlap of Zeeman components that arises in the radiation from astrophysical masers. The essential simplicity of this previously unrecognized effect is a compelling argument in its favor as the basic cause for the strong, net circular polarization of the OH masers. Observations can then be interpreted to yield an estimate for the strength of the magnetic fields in the masing regions, even when Zeeman pairs cannot be identified as is usually the situation. Magnetic fields of approximately a milligauss or greater are inferred to be common in the masing gas associated with regions of star formation. This estimate should be considerably more general than the specific assumptions of our calculation.

• Research Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• OSTI ID: 6103590
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States) Vol. 300:1; ISSN AJLEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640103* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AMPLIFIERS
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MASERS
MICROWAVE AMPLIFIERS
MICROWAVE EQUIPMENT
MICROWAVE RADIATION
POLARIZATION
RADIATIONS
SPACE
STAR EVOLUTION
ZEEMAN EFFECT