The effect of angle-dependent non-coherent electron scattering and partial redistribution on the polarization of resonance lines

Abstract

The polarized radiative transfer equation is solved when angle-dependent partial redistribution and non-coherent electron scattering are included as line-scattering mechanisms. A static atmosphere with plane parallel symmetry is assumed. Test calculations are used to illustrate the effects of the electron-scattering coefficient, the thermalization parameter and the continuous absorption coefficient on the line polarization. Results of angle-averaged and angle-dependent redistribution functions are compared and it is shown that angle-dependent functions should be used to model the wing polarization of optically thin lines. The lower the continuous absorption compared with the electron scattering, the higher the wing polarization.