Abstract
The theory of polarized scattering in a stellar atmosphere is formulated, first within the framework of classical physics, then in terms of quantum mechanics. The expression for the redistribution matrix that describes partial redistribution in polarization and frequency is derived for the general case when the magnetic field is of arbitrary strength. The special cases of weak fields (the “Hanle limit”) and zero fields (non-magnetic scattering) are discussed. Observational examples of spectral signatures in linear polarization are presented, which show effects of hyperfine structure, interference between fine structure components, and molecular scattering.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Auer, L.H., Rees, D., Stenflo, J.O.: 1980, Astron. Astrophys. 88, 302
Berman, P.R., Lamb, W.E. Jr.: 1969, Phys. Rev. 187, 221
Bommier, V.: 1980, Astron. Astrophys. 87, 109
Domke, H., Hubeny, I.: 1988, Astrophys. J. 334, 527
Faurobert-Scholl, M.: 1993, Astron. Astrophys. 268, 765
Faurobert-Scholl, M.: 1996, these proceedings
Faurobert-Scholl, M., Feautrier, N., Machefert, F., Petrovay, K., Spielfiedel, A.: 1995, Astron. Astrophys. 298, 289
Henze, W. Jr., Stenflo, J.O.: 1987, Solar Phys. 111, 243
Keller, C.U., Aebersold, F., Egger, U., Povel, H.P., Steiner, P., Stenflo, J.O.: 1992, LEST Foundation Technical Report No. 53
Landi Degl'Innocenti, E.: 1984, Solar Phys. 91, 1
Leroy, J.-L., Ratier, G., Bommier. V.: 1977, Astron. Astrophys. 54, 811
Mihalas, D.: 1978, Stellar Atmospheres, Freeman and Company, San Francisco
Omont, A., Smith, E.W., Cooper, J.: 1972, Astrophys. J. 175, 185
Omont, A., Smith, E.W., Cooper, J.: 1973, Astrophys. J. 182, 283
Povel, H.P., Keller, C.U., Stenflo, J.O.: 1991, in L.J. November (ed.), Solar Polarimetry, NSO/SP Summer Workshop Series No. 11, p. 102
Querfeld, C.W., Smartt, R.N., Bommier, V., Landi Degl'Innocenti, E., House, L.L.: 1985, Solar Phys. 96, 277
Spielfiedel, A., Feautrier, N., Chambaud, G., Lévy, B.: 1991, J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 24, 4711
Stenflo, J.O.: 1978, Astron. Astrophys. 66, 241
Stenflo, J.O.: 1980, Astron. Astrophys. 84, 68
Stenflo, J.O.: 1982, Solar Phys. 80, 209
Stenflo, J.O.: 1994, Solar Magnetic Fields — Polarized Radiation Diagnostics, Kluwer, Dordrecht
Stenflo, J.O., Keller, C.U.: 1996, to be published
Stenflo, J.O., Baur, T.G., Elmore, D.F.: 1980, Astron. Astrophys. 84, 60
Stenflo, J.O., Twerenbold, D., Harvey, J.W.: 1983a, Astron. Astrophys. Suppl. Ser. 52, 161
Stenflo, J.O., Twerenbold, D., Harvey, J.W., Brault, J.W.: 1983b, Astron. Astrophys. Suppl. Ser. 54, 505
Stenflo, J.O., Keller, C.U., Povel, H.P.: 1992, LEST Foundation Technical Report No. 54
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Stenflo, J.O. Scattering physics. Sol Phys 164, 1–20 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00146619
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00146619