A new analysis of spectral line shapes in white dwarf atmospheres

We present an analysis of hydrogen Balmer line shapes observed in two white dwarf spectra. One spectrum presents singlet lines while the second one presents lines with a triplet structure. The latter is a feature of the presence of a strong magnetic field. Using both Stark and Zeeman effects, we infer the density and the magnetic field. Our line shape calculations employ a computer simulation technique. The radiative transfer is accounted for through a onedimensional slab model. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.