Introduction to spectropolarimetry / Jose Carlos del Toro Iniesta.

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

1. Historical introduction -- 2. A review of some basic concepts -- 3. The polarization properties of quasi-monochromatic light -- 4. Linear optical systems acting on polarized light -- 5. Solar polarimetry -- 6. Absorption and dispersion -- 7. The radiative transfer equation -- 8. The RTE in the presence of a magnetic field -- 9. Solving the radiative transfer equation -- 10. Stokes spectrum diagnostics -- 11. Inversion of the RTE.

Spectropolarimetry embraces the most complete and detailed measurement and analysis of light, as well as its interaction with matter. This book provides an introductory overview of the area, which plays an increasingly important role in modern solar observations. Chapters include a comprehensive description of the polarization state of polychromatic light and its measurement, an overview of astronomical (solar) polarimetry, the radiative transfer equation for polarized light, and the formation of spectral lines in the presence of a magnetic field. Most topics are dealt with within the realm of classical physics, although a small amount of quantum mechanics is introduced where necessary. This text will be a valuable reference for graduates and researchers in astrophysics, solar physics and optics.