Astronomical Masers

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiv

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Moshe Elitzur

   Pages 1-3

3. Basic Background Concepts

   • Moshe Elitzur

   Pages 4-46

4. Astronomical Maser Radiation

   • Moshe Elitzur

   Pages 47-58

5. Maser Theory

   • Moshe Elitzur

   Pages 59-112

6. Effects of Geometry

   • Moshe Elitzur

   Pages 113-159

7. Polarization

   • Moshe Elitzur

   Pages 160-192

8. Pumping

   • Moshe Elitzur

   Pages 193-215

9. The Environments of Astronomical Masers

   • Moshe Elitzur

   Pages 216-231

10. OH Masers

    • Moshe Elitzur

    Pages 232-261

11. H2O Masers

    • Moshe Elitzur

    Pages 262-279

12. SiO Masers

    • Moshe Elitzur

    Pages 280-298

13. Other Masers

    • Moshe Elitzur

    Pages 299-307

14. Extragalactic Masers

    • Moshe Elitzur

    Pages 308-316

15. Masers as Astronomical Tools

    • Moshe Elitzur

    Pages 317-327

16. Epilogue

    • Moshe Elitzur

    Pages 328-329

17. Back Matter

    Pages 330-351

    PDF

One of the most spectacular discoveries of molecular astronomy has been the detection of maser emission. The same radiation that is generated in the laboratory only with elaborate, special equipment occurs naturally in interstellar space. This intense radiation probes the smallest structures that can be studied with radio telescopes. By a fortunate coincidence maser radiation is generated in both star forming regions and the envelopes of late-type stars. The early and late stages in the life of a star are considered to be the most interesting phases of stellar evolution. Maser emission has also been detected in external galaxies.
This book provides an extensive coverage of the interstellar maser phenomenon. A precondition for maser action is departure from thermal equilibrium. The book therefore starts with a detailed coverage of the basic background concepts required for an understanding of line formation and radiative transfer. It goes on to describe the theoretical and phenomenological aspects of interstellar masers, their formation sites and the inversion mechanisms.
The book will interest active researchers in astronomy and astrophysics as well as in other areas of physics. It is suitable as a textbook in a graduate course and will enable a graduate student to embark on research projects in this exciting area in particular, and molecular radio astronomy in general.

• Galaxy
• astronomy
• astrophysics
• star
• stars
• stellar

` The book is an essential purchase for workers in the field, and will also interest other astrophysicists and researchers in related areas of physics. '
Nature Volume 357
'The book is both well written and thorough, and the paperback edition is reasonably good value, given the somewhat specialized subject area. I'd advise anyone working in the field to buy themselves a copy.' The Observatory 113:1112 1993

• Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA

  Moshe Elitzur

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