The transfer of resonance line polarization with partial frequency redistribution and J-state interference

Abstract

The linear polarization signals produced by scattering processes in strong resonance lines are rich in information on the magnetic and thermal structure of the chromosphere and transition region of the Sun and of other stars. A correct modeling of these signals requires accounting for partial frequency redistribution effects, as well as for the impact of quantum interference between different fine structure levels (J-state interference). In this paper, we present a theoretical approach suitable for modeling the transfer of resonance line polarization when taking these effects into account, along with an accurate numerical method of solution of the problem's equations. We consider a two-term atom with unpolarized lower term and infinitely sharp lower levels, in the absence of magnetic fields. We show that by making simple formal substitutions on the quantum numbers, the theoretical approach derived here for a two-term atom can also be applied to describe a two-level atom with hyperfine structure. An illustrative application to the MgII doublet around 2800A is presented.