Modelling CH₃OH masers: Sobolev approximation and accelerated lambda iteration method

A simple one-dimensional model of CH$_3$OH maser is considered. Two techniques are used for the calculation of molecule level populations: the accelerated lambda iteration (ALI) method and the large velocity gradient (LVG), or Sobolev, approximation. The LVG approximation gives accurate results provided that the characteristic dimensions of the medium are larger than 5-10 lengths of the resonance region. We presume that this condition can be satisfied only for the largest observed maser spot distributions. Factors controlling the pumping of class I and class II methanol masers are considered.