Formation of polarized spectral lines in atmospheres with horizontal inhomogeneities

Tichý, A.; Štěpán, J.; Trujillo Bueno, J.; Kubát, J.
Bibliographical reference

Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, Volume 305, pp. 401-406

Advertised on:
10
2015
Number of authors
4
IAC number of authors
1
Citations
2
Refereed citations
1
Description
We study the problem of the generation and transfer of spectral line intensity and polarization in models of stellar atmospheres with horizontal plasma inhomogeneities. We solve the non-LTE radiative transfer problem in full 3D geometry taking into account resonant scattering polarization and its modification by magnetic fields via the Hanle effect. We show that horizontal fluctuations of the thermodynamical conditions of stellar atmospheres can have a significant impact on the linear polarization of the emergent spectral line radiation and its center-to-limb variation.
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Magnetism, Polarization and Radiative Transfer in Astrophysics
Magnetic fields pervade all astrophysical plasmas and govern most of the variability in the Universe at intermediate time scales. They are present in stars across the whole Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, in galaxies, and even perhaps in the intergalactic medium. Polarized light provides the most reliable source of information at our disposal for the
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