The far-infrared/radio correlation of starburst galaxies: Constraints on the magnetic field

The correlation between the far-IR (FIR) and the radio emission of starburst galaxies is investigated by analysing and comparing data for interacting and normal galaxies, and by modeling the FIR and the radio emission during a starburst. The model shows that a strong and fast (approximate to 10(7) years) increase of the magnetic field at the beginning of the starburst is required in order to reproduce the observed constancy of the FIR/radio ratio. The possible mechanisms relating the star formation activity and the magnetic field strength are discussed.