A Theoretical Investigation of the Magnetic-field-induced Transition in Fe X, of Importance for Measuring Magnetic Field Strengths in the Solar Corona

Abstract

Abstract The use of the magnetic-field-induced transition (MIT) in Fe X for the measurement of the magnetic field strength in the solar corona has been discussed and demonstrated in a number of recent studies. This diagnostic technique depends on, among other conditions, the accuracy of the atomic data for Fe X. In the present work, we carry out a large-scale calculation for the atomic properties needed for the determination of the MIT rate using the multiconfiguration Dirac–Hartree–Fock method. Four computational schemes are employed to study the convergence of the atomic properties of interest. Comparison with other experimental and theoretical sources are performed and recommended values are suggested for important properties, e.g., the magnetic induced transition probabilities as a function of magnetic field strengths. The present calculations affect magnetic field measurements by decreasing the magnetic field strengths by 10%–15%, leading to differences in magnetic energy up to 30%. We recommend that the current data should be employed in magnetic field measurements in the future.