Electromagnetic polarization in partially ionized plasmas with strong magnetic fields and neutron star atmosphere models

The polarizability tensor of a strongly magnetized plasma and the polarization vectors and opacities of normal electromagnetic waves are studied for conditions typical of neutron star atmospheres, taking account of partial ionization effects. Vacuum polarization is also included, and a new set of fitting formulae are used that are accurate for wide range of field strengths. The full account of the coupling of the quantum mechanical structure of the atoms to their center-of-mass motion across the magnetic field is shown to be crucial for the correct evaluation of the polarization properties and opacities of the plasma. The self-consistent treatment of the polarizability and absorption coefficients proves to be necessary if the ionization degree of the plasma is low, which can occur in the atmospheres of cool or ultramagnetized neutron stars. Atmosphere models and spectra are presented to illustrate the importance of such self-consistent treatment.