Non-Equilibrium Effects on the Optically Thin Radiative Loss Function

Abstract

The optically thin radiative loss function, ƒ(T) ≡ Lr/ ne nH, where Lr represents the radiative losses (erg/s/cm−3) and ne, nH the electron and hydrogen number densities is an important quantity in the energetics of coronal and transition region plasmas. We will consider the importance of calculating the ionization state and radiative losses consistently with the dynamic state of the coronal/transition region plasma, and through time dependent calculations we will show the effects of non-equilibrium ionization on the radiative loss function.