Bibcode
DOI
Sanchez Almeida, J.; Lites, B. W.
Bibliographical reference
Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 398, no. 1, p. 359-374.
Advertised on:
10
1992
Journal
Citations
142
Refereed citations
119
Description
We present a first approach to systematic characterization and
interpretation of observed asymmetries of Stokes profiles as a function
of spatial position within sunspots. Spatial maps of the full Stokes
profiles of Fe I 6302.5 A gathered in large sunspots using the HAO
Stokes II instrument reveal asymmetries that vary systematically across
large sunspots observed during 1980. We use the inversion technique by
Landolfi to extract the velocity gradients along the line of sight (LOS)
which give rise to these asymmetries. The gradients derived from full
Stokes profiles are in agreement with previous characterizations of the
Evershed flow derived from Stokes I profiles alone (i.e., a flow
increasing with depth in the atmosphere). By coupling this semiempirical
gradient of velocity with a magnetic field inclination varying along the
LOS, the synthesized profiles are able to mimic basic observed features
of the broad-band circular polarization present in our data and observed
previously by others. This characterization has magnetic field lines
which become progressively more horizontal with depth in the penumbra.