Stokes Profile Analysis and Vector Magnetic Fields. IV. Synthesis and Inversion of the Chromospheric MG i B Lines
Abstract
An analytic solution to the transfer equations for polarized radiation which allows for departures from LTE in the overall excitation of a chromospheric line is discussed, and a method of least-squares inversion is applied to profiles of Mg I b lines at 5172.7 and 5183.6 A observed in December 1978. An analytic form expressing the source function dependence on line-center optical depth leads to a generalization of an existing least-squares procedure which is found to be effective in recovering the magnetic field from simulated Stokes profiles under specified conditions. Reasonable magnetic field values are obtained if a macroturbulent profile smearing of 1-2 km/s is used and if the profiles are corrected for scattered light.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- July 1988
- DOI:
- 10.1086/166487
- Bibcode:
- 1988ApJ...330..493L
- Keywords:
-
- Chromosphere;
- Line Spectra;
- Magnetic Field Configurations;
- Solar Magnetic Field;
- Stokes Law Of Radiation;
- Least Squares Method;
- Magnesium;
- Optical Thickness;
- Thermodynamic Equilibrium;
- Solar Physics;
- SUN: CHROMOSPHERE;
- SUN: MAGNETIC FIELDS;
- SUN: SUNSPOTS