Discovery of kilogauss magnetic fields in three DA white dwarfs

Aznar Cuadrado, R., Jordan, S., Napiwotzki, R., Schmid, H.M., Solanki, S.K. and Mathys, G. (2004) Discovery of kilogauss magnetic fields in three DA white dwarfs. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 423. pp. 1081-1094. ISSN 0004-6361
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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.


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