Frequency Redistribution Function for the Polarized Two-Term Atom

TL;DR

This paper introduces a generalized frequency redistribution function for polarized two-term atoms in magnetic fields, aiding the understanding of polarized radiation scattering relevant to solar and astrophysical magnetism.

Contribution

It develops a new quantum formulation for coherent scattering in polarized atoms, extending the theoretical framework for magnetic field effects.

Findings

Derived a generalized redistribution function for polarized atoms

Applicable to magnetic field studies in solar chromosphere

Provides a new diagrammatic quantum approach

Abstract

We present a generalized frequency redistribution function for the polarized two-term atom in an arbitrary magnetic field. This result is derived within a new formulation of the quantum problem of coherent scattering of polarized radiation by atoms in the collisionless regime. The general theory, which is based on a diagrammatic treatment of the atom-photon interaction, is still work in progress. However, the results anticipated here are relevant enough for the study of the magnetism of the solar chromosphere and of interest for astrophysics in general.