Superradiance and Periodic 6.7 GHz Methanol Flaring in G22.356+0.066

TL;DR

This paper models periodic methanol maser flares in G22.356+0.066 using Maxwell-Bloch equations, revealing that superradiance explains the observed variability and provides new insights into maser physics.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed modeling approach using Maxwell-Bloch equations to demonstrate superradiance as the cause of periodic maser flares in G22.356+0.066.

Findings

Flares are consistent with Dicke's superradiance.

Superradiance is triggered by a common radiative pump.

Variability is explained by regions of varying inverted column densities.

Abstract

We present a comprehensive analysis of the periodic flares observed in the 6.7 GHz methanol transition in G22.356+0.066, utilizing the Maxwell-Bloch equations (MBEs) as a framework to model these phenomena. By solving the one-dimensional MBEs, we describe the behavior of both the quasi-steady-state maser and transient superradiance regimes. Our findings indicate that the observed periodic flares, with varying timescales across different velocities, are consistent with the characteristics of Dicke's superradiance, triggered by a common radiative pump in regions of varying inverted column densities. This work provides new insights into the physical processes governing variability in maser-hosting regions and underscores the significance of superradiance as a powerful radiation mechanism in astrophysical environments.