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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Solar Physicsarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Solar Physics
Article . 1970 . Peer-reviewed
License: Springer TDM
Data sources: Crossref
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Line formation in magnetic fields

Comments on the role of atomic level polarization
Authors: F.K. Lamb;

Line formation in magnetic fields

Abstract

Hyder (1968) has suggested that longitudinal magnetograph measurements of weak magnetic fields in prominences have underestimated field strengths as the result of zero-field levelcrossing interference (the Hanle effect). Hyder (1968) also suggested that resonance polarization effects have sometimes led to errors in measurements of the transverse component of magnetic fields. Stenflo (1969) has pointed out some errors in Hyder's paper, while contending that the Hanle effect is implicitly included in current theories of line formation in the presence of Zeeman splitting. In the present Note these questions are re-examined using the results of a density matrix treatment of absorption, emission, and scattering processes. The basic conclusions are as follows: (1) Longitudinal magnetograph measurements using optically thin lines are not influenced by the Hanle effect. (2) Although present theories of line formation in magnetic fields do not include the Hanle effect, this omission is generally unimportant for lines formed in the photosphere and lower chromosphere due to rapid collisional depolarization of atomic levels. (3) For the same reason, other resonance polarization effects are probably too small to cause significant errors in magnetograph measurements of all but the very weakest magnetic fields, when photospheric and lower chromospheric lines are used. (4) By contrast, the general phenomenon of atomic level polarization is quite important in most prominences. As emphasized by Hyder, extreme care must be used in selecting lines for magnetograph studies of solar magnetic fields.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
6
Average
Top 10%
Top 10%
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