Theoretical Stokes profiles for magnetic stars

The classical approach to the modelling of stellar magnetic field geometries is based on the use of the integrated field measures. Correct mapping of the surface field distribution is possible only if the field measures in question are invariant to macroscopic velocity fields, insensitive to line strength and if they result from a well-defined weighting process. In a previous paper it was demonstrated that these conditions are not met by 'statistical' methods of field determination which extract the mean intensity and polarization signal from a large number of lines simultaneously. This paper discusses whether methods applicable to single metal lines are better suited for modelling purposes. (author)