Evolution of the Ratio of Mg ii Intensities during Solar Flares

Abstract

The Mg ii k and h line intensity ratios can be used to probe the characteristics of the plasma in the solar atmosphere. In this study, using the observations recorded by the Interface Region Imaging Spectrometer, we study the variation of the Mg ii k and h intensity ratio for three flares belonging to X-class, M-class, and C-class, throughout their evolution. We also study the k-to-h intensity ratio as a function of magnetic flux density obtained from the line-of-sight magnetograms recorded by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Our results reveal that, while the intensity ratios are independent of magnetic flux density, they show significant changes during the evolution of the C-class and M-class flares. The intensity ratios start to increase at the start of the flare and peak during the impulsive phase before the flare peak and decrease rapidly thereafter. The values of the ratios fall even below the preflare level during the peak and decline phases of the flare. These results are important in light of heating and cooling of localized plasma and provide further constraint on the understanding of flare physics.