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

Journal Article · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/168723· OSTI ID:6710000

Nedoluha, G E; Watson, W D ^[1]

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1. Illinois Univ., Urbana (USA)

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. 32 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6710000
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 354; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AMPLIFIERS
COSMIC GASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
GASES
GIANT STARS
INTERSTELLAR MAGNETIC FIELDS
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MASERS
MICROWAVE AMPLIFIERS
MICROWAVE EQUIPMENT
POLARIZATION
RADIATIONS
SPACE
STAR EVOLUTION
STARS
ZEEMAN EFFECT