Observations of linear polarization in a solar coronal loop prominence system observed near 6173 Å

Saint-Hilaire, P., Schou, J., Martínez Oliveros, J.-C., Hudson, H. S. , Krucker, S., Bain, H. and Couvidat, S. (2014) Observations of linear polarization in a solar coronal loop prominence system observed near 6173 Å. Astrophysical Journal Letters, 786(2), L19. (doi: 10.1088/2041-8205/786/2/L19)

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Abstract

White-light observations by the Solar Dynamics Observatory's Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager of a loop-prominence system occurring in the aftermath of an X-class flare on 2013 May 13 near the eastern solar limb show a linearly polarized component, reaching up to ~20% at an altitude of ~33 Mm, about the maximum amount expected if the emission were due solely to Thomson scattering of photospheric light by the coronal material. The mass associated with the polarized component was 8.2 × 1014 g. At 15 Mm altitude, the brightest part of the loop was 3(±0.5)% linearly polarized, only about 20% of that expected from pure Thomson scattering, indicating the presence of an additional unpolarized component at wavelengths near Fe I (617.33 nm). We estimate the free electron density of the white-light loop system to possibly be as high as 1.8 × 1012 cm–3.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hudson, Dr Hugh
Authors: Saint-Hilaire, P., Schou, J., Martínez Oliveros, J.-C., Hudson, H. S., Krucker, S., Bain, H., and Couvidat, S.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Astrophysical Journal Letters
Publisher:Institute of Physics Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:2041-8205
ISSN (Online):2041-8213

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