The transfer of polarized radiation in astrophysical masers in the presence of magnetic fields

Polarized emission from astrophysical masers can provide important information about physical conditions in both star forming and circumstellar environments. Calculations are performed which give the spectra of the emergent maser radiation for different magnetic fields, radiative intensities, decay rates, and pumping rates thought to be appropriate in astrophysical masing regions. Results are obtained which for the first time make it possible to study the linear polarization of radiatively saturated masers when the stimulated emission rate and the Zeeman frequency are comparable, a regime which is of importance for nonparamagnetic masing molecules (i.e. $\rm H\sb2 O$, SiO, $\rm CH\sb3 OH$, $\rm H\sb2 CO$) in astrophysics. The change in both the amount of linear polarization and its position angle as a function of the stimulated emission rate is followed through this regime.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Nedoluha, Gerald Ernst

Contributors dc:contributor

• Watson, W.D.

• Physics, General
• Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1990 Nedoluha, Gerald Ernst

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9021734
(UMI)AAI9021734

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/21891