Derivation of Molecular Abundances

  • Satoshi Yamamoto
Chapter
First Online:
Part of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Library book series (AAL)

Abstract

General derivation of molecular abundances from spectral lines observed with radio telescopes is presented. After describing basic physical properties of thermal radiation and blackbody radiation, a radiative transfer equation is derived and applied for a few ideal cases. A rotation diagram method under a local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) condition, a concept of the critical density, and a basic principle of statistical equilibrium calculations for a non-LTE condition are described. Practical cautions in deriving molecular abundances are also given, which include beam dilution effects, a use of molecular parameters including a relation between a partition function and line strengths, and a treatment of ortho/para species of molecules.

Keywords

Thermal radiation Radiative transfer Optical depth Critical density Molecular parameters 
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Copyright information

© Springer Japan 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  • Satoshi Yamamoto
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of PhysicsThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan

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