The Hanle and Zeeman Effects in Solar Spicules

TL;DR

This study uses high-precision spectropolarimetric observations of solar spicules to analyze the magnetic field vector through Hanle and Zeeman effects, employing a Stokes inversion technique.

Contribution

It provides detailed measurements of magnetic fields in solar spicules by applying advanced spectropolarimetric techniques and quantum theory interpretations.

Findings

Detection of Hanle and Zeeman effects in spicule polarization profiles

Quantitative estimates of magnetic field strength and orientation in spicules

Validation of the inversion technique for solar chromospheric magnetic fields

Abstract

A large set of high precision full-Stokes spectropolarimetric observations of the He-D3 line in spicules has been recorded with the ZIMPOL polarimeter at the Gregory-Coude Telescope in Locarno. The observational technique allow us to obtain measurements free from seeing induced spurious effects. The instrumental polarization is well under control and taken into account in the data analysis. The observed Stokes profiles are interpreted according to the quantum theory of the Hanle and Zeeman effects with the aim of obtaining information on the magnetic field vector. To this end, we make use of a suitable Stokes inversion technique. The results are presented giving emphasis on a few particularly interesting measurements which show clearly the operation of the Hanle and Zeeman effects in solar chromospheric spicules.