Bibcode
Carlin, E. S.; Manso-Sainz, R.; Asensio-Ramos, A.; Trujillo-Bueno, J.
Bibliographical reference
The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 751, Issue 1, article id. 5 (2012).
Advertised on:
5
2012
Journal
Citations
34
Refereed citations
24
Description
Magnetic field topology, thermal structure, and plasma motions are the
three main factors affecting the polarization signals used to understand
our star. In this theoretical investigation, we focus on the effect that
gradients in the macroscopic vertical velocity field have on the
non-magnetic scattering polarization signals, establishing the basis for
general cases. We demonstrate that the solar plasma velocity gradients
may have a significant effect on the linear polarization produced by
scattering in chromospheric spectral lines. In particular, we show the
impact of velocity gradients on the anisotropy of the radiation field
and on the ensuing fractional alignment of the Ca II levels, and how
they can lead to an enhancement of the zero-field linear polarization
signals. This investigation remarks on the importance of knowing the
dynamical state of the solar atmosphere in order to correctly interpret
spectropolarimetric measurements, which is important, among other
things, for establishing a suitable zero-field reference case to infer
magnetic fields via the Hanle effect.
Related projects
Magnetism, Polarization and Radiative Transfer in Astrophysics
Magnetic fields pervade all astrophysical plasmas and govern most of the variability in the Universe at intermediate time scales. They are present in stars across the whole Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, in galaxies, and even perhaps in the intergalactic medium. Polarized light provides the most reliable source of information at our disposal for the
Tanausú del
Pino Alemán