Polarization phase matrices for radiation scattering on atoms in external magnetic fields: The case of forbidden transitions in astrophysics

Abstract

Using a quantum electrodynamical approach, we derive the scattering phase matrices for polarized radiation involving forbidden line transitions and in the presence of an external magnetic field. The case of (J=0->2->0) scattering is considered as an example. The non-magnetic Rayleigh scattering phase matrix is also presented. The Stokes profiles in a single scattering event are computed for the strong field (Zeeman) and weak field (Hanle) limits, covering also the regime of intermediate field strengths (Hanle- Zeeman).

14 pages 3 figures