Transfer of line radiation in a magnetic field

Abstract

Using a classical approach, the transfer equations are derived for spectral-line radiation in a medium which is permeated by a magnetic field. Consideration is given to solutions of these equations for the 'weak-field' case, when the Zeeman splitting is a fraction of the Doppler width, and the range of validity of such solutions. Some approximate expressions allow a simple inference of the vector-field characteristics directly from the line profiles.