He 1 lambda 4471 profiles in B stars : calculations with an improved line-broadening theory.

Theoretical profiles for the He I A4471 line in B-star spectra have been computed using an improved broadening theory of Barnard, Cooper, and Smith, together with level populations determined by a self-consistent solution by Auer and Mihalas of the coupled transfer and statistical-equilibrium equations. The broadening theory has been constructed to provide a more accurate description of the intensity and width of the forbidden (2p 3P0-4f 3F ) transition as measured in laboratory experiments. The results presented in this paper show that this revision of the broadening theory leads to computed stellar profiles which are in much better agreement with observed profiles than any previously obtained. Subject headings: early-type stars - line profiles