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Spectra of circularly polarized radiation from astrophysical OH masersA striking feature of astrophysical masers is the tendency for either one or the other of the circular polarizations to dominate in the radiation from the strong, widely observed masing transitions of OH at 18 cm. Spectral line profiles are calculated for polarized maser radiation due to the combined effects of a velocity gradient and, as is indicated for these transitions, a Zeeman splitting that is at least comparable with the thermal contributions to the breadths of the spectral lines. The resulting spectral features are similar in appearance, including the presence of large net circular polarization and narrow line breadths, to the commonly observed spectra of OH masers in molecular clouds. The calculations presented here are performed as a function of frequency without making the approximations of a large velocity gradient. Rapid cross relaxation, which has been advocated by others for the OH masers, is assumed.
Document ID
19900063626
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Nedoluha, Gerald E.
(Illinois Univ. Urbana, IL, United States)
Watson, William D.
(Illinois, University Urbana, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 361
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
90A50681
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1104
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-86-12477
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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