The Interpretation of Magnetograph Results: The Formation of Absorption Lines in a Magnetic Field

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Abstract
The theory of line formation in a magnetic field is reviewed. It is shown how the formulations by Unno, Beckers, Stepanov and Rachkovsky are related to each other. The general treatment of true absorption, anomalous dispersion, radiative scattering and level-crossing interference is discussed. Special attention is paid to the inhomogeneous nature of the solar atmosphere. The properties of magnetic filaments are reviewed. It is shown how a filamentary structure will drastically influence the interpretation of magnetograph observations. The treatment of line formation in a turbulent magnetic field is also discussed. The fine structure of the solar atmosphere will influence different types of magnetographs in entirely different ways. The relation between the observed magnetic field and the resolution of the instrument is discussed for a Babcock-type, Evans-type and a transversal magnetograph. Finally some suggestions for future work in this field are listed.

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