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Paper: Kilo-Gauss Magnetic Fields in Three DA White Dwarfs
Volume: 334, 14th European Workshop on White Dwarfs
Page: 159
Authors: Aznar Cuadrado, R.; Jordan, S.; Napiwotzki, R.; Schmid, H.M.; Solanki, S.K.; Mathys, G.
Abstract: We have detected longitudinal magnetic fields between 2 and 4 kG in three normal DA white dwarfs (WD0446−790, WD1105−048, WD2359−434) out of a sample of 12 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. A detection rate of 25% (3/12) may indicate now for the first time that a substantial fraction of white dwarfs have weak magnetic fields. 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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