The usefulness of analytic response functions
Abstract
Aims:We introduce analytical response functions and their main properties as an important diagnostic tool that help understand Stokes profile formation physics and the meaning of well-known behaviors of standard inversion codes of the radiative transfer equation often used to measure solar magnetic fields. Methods: A Milne-Eddington model atmosphere is used as an example where response functions are analytical. A sample spectral line has been chosen to show the main qualitative properties. Results: We show that analytic response functions readily provide explanations for various well-known behaviors of spectral lines, such as the sensitivity of visible lines to weak magnetic fields or the trade-offs often detected in inversion codes between the Milne-Eddington thermodynamic parameters. We also show that response functions are helpful in selecting sample wavelengths optimized for specific parameter diagnostics.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1211.1502,
title = {The usefulness of analytic response functions},
author = {D. Orozco Suárez and J. C. del Toro Iniesta},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1211.1502},
year = {2012}
}
Comments
Published back in 2007, this is the arXiv version