2011ApJ...736...96C

We present high spatial and frequency resolution images of the SiO masers in Stokes I, Q, U, and V around the asymptotic giant branch star IK Tau and describe and exploit a new technique for making accurate calibration of Stokes V. This technique also resulted in improved images of Stokes I. An evaluation of the results suggests that the circular polarization is neither the result of Zeeman splitting nor an alternate propagation effect. The pattern of circular and linear polarization across the maser lines shows no tendency toward that expected for simple Zeeman splitting. The fractional circular polarization greatly exceeds that expected from the alternate mechanism. The overall shape of the masing ring has changed from the elliptical form repeatedly observed over the last decade and a half.