Impact line linear polarization as a diagnostic of 100 keV proton acceleration in solar flares

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (84) References (24) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Impact Line Linear Polarization as a Diagnostic of 100 keV Proton Acceleration in Solar Flares Henoux, J. C. ; Chambe, G. ; Smith, D. ; Tamres, D. ; Feautrier, N. ; Rovira, M. ; Sahal-Brechot, S. Abstract The use of impact linear polarization of chromospheric lines as a diagnostic of 100 keV protons is proposed. Observations of hard X-ray emission are examined, noting the possibility that 100 keV proton beams bombarding the atmosphere could create a hot thermal plasma at the origin of X-ray emission. The application of impact linear line polarization as a diagnostic of the existence of energetic particles with anisotropic velocity distribution functions is described. The mechanisms leading to an anisotropic proton distribution in the solar chromosphere are discussed and the required initial energy and energy flux for accelerated protons in the corona are derived. It is suggested that it is possible to infer the original proton anisotropy in the corona and the effect of this anisotropy on the proton energy and proton energy flux required to reach the H-alpha-forming layers. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series Pub Date: June 1990 DOI: 10.1086/191466 Bibcode: 1990ApJS...73..303H Keywords: Linear Polarization; Particle Acceleration; Solar Flares; Solar Protons; Chromosphere; Emission Spectra; Proton Beams; Solar Atmosphere; Solar Spectra; Solar X-Rays; Solar Physics; PARTICLE ACCELERATION; POLARIZATION; SUN: FLARES; SUN: PARTICLE EMISSION; SUN: X-RAYS full text sources ADS |