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        Discovery of kilogauss magnetic fields in three DA white dwarfs

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        100827.pdf (PDF, 702Kb)
        Author
        Aznar Cuadrado, R.
        Jordan, S.
        Napiwotzki, R.
        Schmid, H.M.
        Solanki, S.K.
        Mathys, G.
        Attention
        2299/1199
        Abstract
        We have detected longitudinal magnetic fields between 2 and 4 kG in three (WD0446−790, WD1105−048, WD2359−434) out of a sample of 12 normal DA white dwarfs by using optical spectropolarimetry done with the VLT Antu 8 m telescope equipped with FORS1.With the exception of 40 Eri B (4 kG) these are the first positive detections of magnetic fields in white dwarfs below 30 kG. Although suspected, it was not clear whether a significant fraction of white dwarfs contain magnetic fields at this level. These fields may be explained as relics from magnetic fields in the main-sequence progenitors considerably enhanced by magnetic flux conservation during the shrinkage of the core. A detection rate of 25% (3/12) may indicate now for the first time that a substantial fraction of white dwarfs have a weak magnetic field. This result, if confirmed by future observations, would form a cornerstone for our understanding of the evolution of stellar magnetic fields.
        Publication date
        2004
        Published in
        Astronomy and Astrophysics
        Published version
        https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20040355
        Other links
        http://hdl.handle.net/2299/1199
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