Quantum-Chemical calculations revealing the effects of magnetic fields on methanol masers
Journal article, 2017

Maser observations of both linearly and circularly polarized emission have provided unique information on the magnetic field in the densest parts of star forming regions, where non-maser magnetic field tracers are scarce. While linear polarization observations provide morphological constraints, magnetic field strengths are determined by measuring the Zeeman splitting in circularly polarized emission. Methanol is of special interest as it is one of the most abundant maser species and its different transitions probe unique areas around the protostar. However, its precise Zeeman-parameters are unknown. Experimental efforts to determine these Zeeman-parameters have failed. Here we present quantum-chemical calculations of the Zeeman-parameters of methanol, along with calculations of the hyperfine structure that are necessary to interpret the Zeeman effect in methanol. We use this model in re-analyzing methanol maser polarization observations. We discuss different mechanisms for hyperfine-state preference in the pumping of torsion-rotation transitions involved in the maser-action.

polarization

molecular data

magnetic fields

masers

Author

Boy Lankhaar

Astronomy and Plasmaphysics

Wouter Vlemmings

Galactic Astrophysics

G. Surcis

Istituto nazionale di astrofisica (INAF)

H. J. van Langevelde

Leiden University

Joint Institute for VLBI in Europe (JIVE)

Gerrit G. Groenenboom

Radboud University

Ad van der Avoird

Radboud University

Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union

1743-9213 (ISSN) 1743-9221 (eISSN)

Vol. 13 S336 23-26

Subject Categories

Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology

Other Physics Topics

Condensed Matter Physics

DOI

10.1017/S1743921318000686

More information

Latest update

9/15/2023