EUV Wavefront Research Articles

High-speed and wide-field nanoscale table-top ptychographic EUV imaging and beam characterization with a sCMOS detector.

We present high-speed and wide-field EUV ptychography at 13.5 nm wavelength using a table-top high-order harmonic source. Compared to previous measurements, the total measurement time is significantly reduced by up to a factor of five by employing a scientific complementary metal oxide semiconductor (sCMOS) detector that is combined with an optimized multilayer mirror configuration. The fast frame rate of the sCMOS detector enables wide-field imaging with a field of view of 100 µm × 100 µm with an imaging speed of 4.6 Mpix/h. Furthermore, fast EUV wavefront characterization is employed using a combination of the sCMOS detector with orthogonal probe relaxation.

Estimate of Plasma Temperatures Across a CME-Driven Shock from a Comparison Between EUV and Radio Data

In this work, we analyze the evolution of an EUV wave front associated with a solar eruption that occurred on 30 October 2014, with the aim of investigating, through differential emission measure (DEM) analysis, the physical properties of the plasma compressed and heated by the accompanying shock wave. The EUV wave was observed by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and was accompanied by the detection of a metric Type II burst observed by ground-based radio spectrographs. The EUV signature of the shock wave was also detected in two of the AIA channels centered at 193 Å and 211 Å as an EUV intensity enhancement propagating ahead of the associated CME. The density compression ratio X of the shock as inferred from the analysis of the EUV data is X approx 1.23, in agreement with independent estimates obtained from the analysis of the Type II band-splitting of the radio data and inferred by adopting the upstream–downstream interpretation. By applying the Rankine–Hugoniot jump conditions under the hypothesis of a perpendicular shock, we also estimate the temperature ratio as T_{mathrm{D}}/T_{mathrm{U}} approx 1.55 and the post-shock temperature as T_{mathrm{D}}approx 2.75 MK. The modest compression ratio and temperature jump derived from the EUV analysis at the shock passage are typical of weak coronal shocks.

Three-dimensional Reconstructions of Extreme-ultraviolet Wave Front Heights and Their Influence on Wave Kinematics

Abstract EUV waves are large-scale disturbances in the solar corona initiated by coronal mass ejections. However, solar EUV images show only the wave front projections along the line of sight of the spacecraft. We perform 3D reconstructions of EUV wave front heights using multipoint observations from STEREO-A and STEREO-B, and we study their evolution to properly estimate the EUV wave kinematics. We develop two different methods to solve the matching problem of the EUV wave crest on pairs of STEREO-A/B images by combining epipolar geometry with the investigation of perturbation profiles. The proposed approaches are applicable at the early and maximum stage of the event when STEREO-A/B see different facets of the EUV wave, but also at the later stage when the wave front becomes diffusive and faint. The techniques developed are demonstrated on two events observed at different separations of the STEREO spacecraft (42° and 91°). For the 2007 December 7 event, we find that the emission of the EUV wave front mainly comes from a height range up to 90–104 Mm, decreasing later to 7–35 Mm. Including the varying height of the EUV wave front allows us to correct the wave kinematics for the projection effects, resulting in velocities in the range of 217–266 km s−1. For the 2009 February 13 event, the wave front height almost doubled from 54 to 93 Mm over 10 minutes, and the velocity derived is 205–208 km s−1. In the two events under study, the corrected speeds differ by up to 25% from the uncorrected ones, depending on the wave front height evolution.

Impacts of EUV Wavefronts on Coronal Structures in Homologous Coronal Mass Ejections

Abstract Large-scale propagating fronts are frequently observed during solar eruptions, yet whether or not they are waves is an open question, partly because the propagation is modulated by coronal structures, whose magnetic fields we still cannot measure. However, when a front impacts coronal structures, an opportunity arises for us to look into the magnetic properties of both interacting parties in the low-β corona. Here we studied large-scale EUV fronts accompanying three coronal mass ejections (CMEs), each originating from a kinking rope-like structure in the NOAA active region (AR) 12371. These eruptions were homologous and the surrounding coronal structures remained stationary. Hence we treated the events as one observed from three different viewing angles, and found that the primary front directly associated with the CME consistently transmits through (1) a polar coronal hole, (2) the ends of a crescent-shaped equatorial coronal hole, leaving a stationary front outlining its AR-facing boundary, and (3) two quiescent filaments, producing slow and diffuse secondary fronts. The primary front also propagates along an arcade of coronal loops and slows down due to foreshortening at the far side, where local plasma heating is indicated by an enhancement in 211 Å (Fe xiv) but a dimming in 193 Å (Fe xii) and 171 Å (Fe ix). The strength of coronal magnetic field is therefore estimated to be ∼2 G in the polar coronal hole and ∼4 G in the coronal arcade neighboring the AR. These observations substantiate the wave nature of the primary front and shed new light on slow fronts.

Well-defined EUV wave associated with a CME-driven shock

Aims. We report on a well-defined EUV wave observed by the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUVI) on board the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The event was accompanied by a shock wave driven by a halo CME observed by the Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO-C2/C3) on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), as evidenced by the occurrence of type II bursts in the metric and dekameter-hectometric wavelength ranges. We investigated the kinematics of the EUV wave front and the radio source with the purpose of verifying the association between the EUV wave and the shock wave. Methods. The EUV wave fronts were determined from the SDO/AIA images by means of two appropriate directions (slices). The heights (radial propagation) of the EUV wave observed by STEREO/EUVI and of the radio source associated with the shock wave were compared considering the whole bandwidth of the harmonic lane of the radio emission, whereas the speed of the shock was estimated using the lowest frequencies of the harmonic lane associated with the undisturbed corona, using an appropriate multiple of the Newkirk (1961, ApJ, 133, 983) density model and taking into account the H/F frequency ratio fH∕fF = 2. The speed of the radio source associated with the interplanetary shock was determined using the Mann et al. (1999, A&A, 348, 614) density model. Results. The EUV wave fronts determined from the SDO/AIA images revealed the coexistence of two types of EUV waves, a fast one with a speed of ~560 km s−1, and a slower one with a speed of ~250 km s−1, which corresponds approximately to one-third of the average speed of the radio source (~680 km s−1). The radio signature of the interplanetary shock revealed an almost constant speed of ~930 km s−1, consistent with the linear speed of the halo CME (950 km s−1) and with the values found for the accelerating coronal shock (~535–823 km s−1), taking into account the gap between the radio emissions.

Shock wave driven by CME evidenced by metric type II burst and EUV wave

Solar type II radio bursts are produced by plasma oscillations in the solar corona as a result of shock waves. The relationship between type II bursts and coronal shocks is well evidenced by observations since the 1960s. However, the drivers of the shocks associated with type II events at metric wavelengths remain as a controversial issue among solar physicists. The flares and the coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are considered as potential drivers of these shocks. In this article, we present an analysis of a metric type II burst observed on May 17, 2013, using data provided by spectrometers from e-CALLISTO (extended-Compound Astronomical Low-cost Low-frequency Instrument for Spectroscopy and Transportable Observatories) and EUV images from the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUVI), aboard the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO). The event was associated with an M3.2 SXR flare and a halo CME. The EUV wave produced by the expansion of the CME was clear from the EUV images. The heights of the EUV wave fronts proved to be consistent with the heights of the radio source obtained with the 2–4×Newkirk density model, which provided a clue to an oblique propagation of the type-II-emitting shock segment. The results for the magnetic field in the regions of the shock also revealed to be consistent with the heights of the radio source obtained using the 2–4×Newkirk density model. Exponential fit on the intensity maxima of the harmonic emission provided a shock speed of ∼580–990kms−1, consistent with the average speed of the associated EUV wave front of 626kms−1.

Toroidal grating astigmatism of high-harmonics characterized by EUV Hartmann sensor.

The beam transport of single high-order harmonics in a monochromator arrangement is studied. A toroidal grating combines spectral filtering and focusing in order to produce a small individual spot for each harmonic. Here, the effect of small deviations from perfect alignment is investigated. Experimentally, a Hartmann sensor monitors the EUV wavefront while the grating is subjected to an online alignment procedure. The obtained results are confirmed by a simple theoretical description employing optical matrix methods.

Solar type II radio bursts associated with CME expansions as shown by EUV waves

We investigate the physical conditions of the sources of two metric Type-II bursts associated with CME expansions with the aim of verifying the relationship between the shocks and the CMEs, comparing the heights of the radio sources and the heights of the EUV waves associated with the CMEs. The heights of the EUV waves associated with the events were determined in relation to the wave fronts. The heights of the shocks were estimated by applying two different density models to the frequencies of the Type-II emissions and compared with the heights of the EUV waves. For the 13 June 2010 event, with band-splitting, the shock speed was estimated from the frequency drifts of the upper and lower branches of the harmonic lane, taking into account the H/F frequency ratio fH/fF = 2. Exponential fits on the intensity maxima of the branches revealed to be more consistent with the morphology of the spectrum of this event. For the 6 June 2012 event, with no band-splitting and with a clear fundamental lane on the spectrum, the shock speed was estimated directly from the frequency drift of the fundamental emission, determined by linear fit on the intensity maxima of the lane. For each event, the most appropriate density model was adopted to estimate the physical parameters of the radio source. The 13 June 2010 event presented a shock speed of 664-719 km/s, consistent with the average speed of the EUV wave fronts of 609 km/s. The 6 June 2012 event was related to a shock of speed of 211-461 km/s, also consistent with the average speed of the EUV wave fronts of 418 km/s. For both events, the heights of the EUV wave revealed to be compatible with the heights of the radio source, assuming a radial propagation of the shock.

PARTIAL REFLECTION AND TRAPPING OF A FAST-MODE WAVE IN SOLAR CORONAL ARCADE LOOPS

We report on the first direct observation of a fast-mode wave propagating along and perpendicular to cool (171 {\AA}) arcade loops observed by the SDO/AIA. The wave was associated with an impulsive/compact flare, near the edge of a sunspot. The EUV wavefront expanded radially outward from the flare center and decelerated in the corona from 1060-760 km/s within ~3-4 minute. Part of the EUV wave propagated along a large-scale arcade of cool loops and was partially reflected back to the flare site. The phase speed of the wave was about 1450 km/s, which is interpreted as a fast-mode wave. A second overlying loop arcade, orientated perpendicular to the cool arcade, is heated and becomes visible in the AIA hot channels. These hot loops sway in time with the EUV wave, as it propagated to and fro along the lower loop arcade. We suggest that an impulsive energy release at one of the footpoints of the arcade loops causes the onset of an EUV shock wave that propagates along and perpendicular to the magnetic field.

CME Expansion as the Driver of Metric Type II Shock Emission as Revealed by Self-consistent Analysis of High-Cadence EUV Images and Radio Spectrograms

On 13 June 2010, an eruptive event occurred near the solar limb. It included a small filament eruption and the onset of a relatively narrow coronal mass ejection (CME) surrounded by an extreme ultraviolet wave front recorded by the Solar Dynamics Observatory's (SDO) Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) at high cadence. The ejection was accompanied by a GOES M1.0 soft X-ray flare and a Type-II radio burst; high-resolution dynamic spectra of the latter were obtained by the ARTEMIS IV radio spectrograph. The combined observations enabled a study of the evolution of the ejecta and the EUV wavefront and its relationship with the coronal shock manifesting itself as metric Type-II burst. By introducing a novel technique, which deduces a proxy of the EUV compression ratio from AIA imaging data and compares it with the compression ratio deduced from the band-split of the Type-II metric radio burst, we are able to infer the potential source locations of the radio emission of the shock on that AIA images. Our results indicate that the expansion of the CME ejecta is the source for both EUV and radio shock emissions. Early in the CME expansion phase, the Type-II burst seems to originate in the sheath region between the EUV bubble and the EUV shock front in both radial and lateral directions. This suggests that both the nose and the flanks of the expanding bubble could have driven the shock.

Eruption of a plasma blob, associated M-class flare, and large-scale extreme-ultraviolet wave observed by SDO

We present a multiwavelength study of the formation and ejection of a plasma blob and associated EUV waves in AR NOAA 11176, observed by SDO/AIA and STEREO on 25 March 2011. SDO/AIA images clearly show the formation and ejection of a plasma blob from the lower solar atmosphere at ~9 min prior to the onset of the M1.0 flare. This onset of the M-class flare happened at the site of the blob formation, while the blob was rising in a parabolic path with an average speed of ~300 km/s. The blob also showed twisting and de-twisting motion in the lower corona, and the blob speed varied from ~10-540 km/s. The faster and slower EUV wavefronts were observed in front of the plasma blob during its impulsive acceleration phase. The faster EUV wave propagated with a speed of ~785 to 1020 km/s, whereas the slower wavefront speed varied in between ~245 and 465 km/s. The timing and speed of the faster wave match the shock speed estimated from the drift rate of the associated type II radio burst. The faster wave experiences a reflection by the nearby AR NOAA 11177. In addition, secondary waves were observed (only in the 171 \AA channel), when the primary fast wave and plasma blob impacted the funnel-shaped coronal loops. The HMI magnetograms revealed the continuous emergence of new magnetic flux along with shear flows at the site of the blob formation. It is inferred that the emergence of twisted magnetic fields in the form of arch-filaments/"anemone-type" loops is the likely cause for the plasma blob formation and associated eruption along with the triggering of M-class flare. Furthermore, the faster EUV wave formed ahead of the blob shows the signature of fast-mode MHD wave, whereas the slower wave seems to be generated by the field line compression by the plasma blob. The secondary wave trains originated from the funnel-shaped loops are probably the fast magnetoacoustic waves.

Interpreting Solar EUV Wave Observations from Different Viewing Angles Using an MHD Model

We study the effect of projection and line-of-sight integration on the interpretation of the morphology and kinematics of EUV waves. We have performed a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulation of a coronal mass ejection (CME) erupting in an environment that mimics the low solar corona and calculated the resulting emission measure of the event from five different viewing angles. Our study provides more quantitative information about the impact of the viewing angle and projection effect on the properties of EUV waves than previous studies on the subject. Analyzing the emission measure of the lower corona reveals wave-like increases that move away from the eruption site, which we interpret as EUV waves. Behind the EUV wave front we can recognize coronal dimming regions. A comparison of the emission measure and calculated density supports the view that EUV waves are true waves. Our results show that the origin of the observed EUV wave is height-dependent, which means that the measured speed and the morphology depend on the viewing direction. Consequently, care should be taken when EUV observations are used to infer the true propagation speeds of EUV wave fronts.

QUASI-PERIODIC FAST-MODE WAVE TRAINS WITHIN A GLOBAL EUV WAVE AND SEQUENTIAL TRANSVERSE OSCILLATIONS DETECTED BYSDO/AIA

We present the first unambiguous detection of quasi-periodic wave trains within the broad pulse of a global EUV wave (so-called "EIT wave") occurring on the limb. These wave trains, running ahead of the lateral CME front of 2-4 times slower, coherently travel to distances $>R_{sun}/2$ along the solar surface, with initial velocities up to 1400 km/s decelerating to ~650 km/s. The rapid expansion of the CME initiated at an elevated height of 110 Mm produces a strong downward and lateral compression, which may play an important role in driving the primary EUV wave and shaping its front forwardly inclined toward the solar surface. The waves have a dominant 2 min periodicity that matches the X-ray flare pulsations, suggesting a causal connection. The arrival of the leading EUV wave front at increasing distances produces an uninterrupted chain sequence of deflections and/or transverse (likely fast kink mode) oscillations of local structures, including a flux-rope coronal cavity and its embedded filament with delayed onsets consistent with the wave travel time at an elevated (by ~50%) velocity within it. This suggests that the EUV wave penetrates through a topological separatrix surface into the cavity, unexpected from CME caused magnetic reconfiguration. These observations, when taken together, provide compelling evidence of the fast-mode MHD wave nature of the {\it primary (outer) fast component} of a global EUV wave, running ahead of the {\it secondary (inner) slow} component of CME-caused restructuring.

Flare waves observed in Helium I 10 830 Å

Three traveling disturbances recorded in the absorption line of Helium I at 10 830 Å (He I), analogous to Hα Moreton waves, are analyzed. The morphology and kinematics of the wavefronts are described in detail. The He I wave appears as an expanding arc of increased absorption roughly corresponding to the Hα disturbance, although not as sharply defined. He I perturbations consist of a relatively uniform diffuse component and a patchy one that appears as enhanced absorption in He I mottles. It leads the Hα front by some 20 Mm and can be followed to considerably larger distances than in Hα observations. Behind the front stationary areas of reduced He I absorption develop, resembling EUV coronal dimming. The observed He I as well as the Hα disturbances show a deceleration of the order of 100–1000 m s-2. Moreover, in the event where Hα, He I, and EUV wavefronts are observed, all of them follow closely related kinematical curves, indicating that they are a consequence of a common disturbance. The analysis of spatial perturbation profiles indicates that He I disturbances consist of a forerunner and a main dip, the latter being cospatial with the Hα disturbance. The properties and behavior of the wavefronts can be comprehended as a consequence of a fast-mode MHD coronal shock whose front is weakly inclined to the solar surface. The Hα disturbance and the main He I dip are a consequence of the pressure jump in the corona behind the shock front. The He I forerunner might be caused by thermal conduction from the oblique shock segments ahead of the shock-chromosphere intersection, or by electron beams accelerated in the quasi-perpendicular section of the shock.