Imaging Spectropolarimetry with IBIS: Evolution of Bright Points in the Quiet Sun

TL;DR

This study uses high-resolution spectropolarimetric data from the Dunn Solar Telescope to analyze the evolution of magnetic bright points in the quiet Sun, revealing their physical processes and magnetic behavior.

Contribution

First spectropolarimetric observations of quiet Sun bright points analyzed with SIR inversion, linking their evolution to magnetic filling factor changes and reconnection events.

Findings

Bright point appearance/disappearance linked to magnetic filling factor changes.

Bright point cancellation may indicate magnetic reconnection or loop dynamics.

High-resolution data enables detailed interpretation of magnetic feature evolution.

Abstract

We present the results from first spectropolarimetric observations of the solar photosphere acquired at the Dunn Solar Telescope with the Interferometric Bidimensional Spectrometer. Full Stokes profiles were measured in the Fe I 630.15 nm and Fe I 630.25 nm lines with high spatial and spectral resolutions for 53 minutes, with a Stokes V noise of 0.003 the continuum intensity level. The dataset allows us to study the evolution of several magnetic features associated with G-band bright points in the quiet Sun. Here we focus on the analysis of three distinct processes, namely the coalescence, fragmentation and cancellation of G-band bright points. Our analysis is based on a SIR inversion of the Stokes I and V profiles of both Fe I lines. The high spatial resolution of the G-band images combined with the inversion results helps to interpret the undergoing physical processes. The appearance (dissolution) of high-contrast G-band bright points is found to be related to the local increase (decrease) of the magnetic filling factor, without appreciable changes in the field strength. The cancellation of opposite-polarity bright points can be the signature of either magnetic reconnection or the emergence/submergence of magnetic loops.