Recent Advances in Chromospheric and Coronal Polarization Diagnostics

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent methods for diagnosing solar chromospheric and coronal magnetism through polarized radiation, focusing on quantum coherences and the Hanle and Zeeman effects, with applications to various solar features.

Contribution

It introduces recent advances in polarization diagnostics that leverage quantum coherences and magnetic effects to study solar atmospheric magnetism.

Findings

Enhanced understanding of polarization signatures in solar features

Application of Hanle and Zeeman effects to various solar phenomena

Potential for improved magnetic field measurements in the solar chromosphere and corona

Abstract

I review some recent advances in methods to diagnose polarized radiation with which we may hope to explore the magnetism of the solar chromosphere and corona. These methods are based on the remarkable signatures that the radiatively induced quantum coherences produce in the emergent spectral line polarization and on the joint action of the Hanle and Zeeman effects. Some applications to spicules, prominences, active region filaments, emerging flux regions and the quiet chromosphere are discussed.