Using the quantum Markovian master equation, we show that convection in the stellar photosphere generates plasma waves by an irreversible process akin to Zeldovich superradiance and sonic booms. In the Sun, this mechanism is most efficient in quiet regions with small magnetic fields. Energy is mostly carried by megahertz Alfven waves that scatter elastically until they reach a height at which they can dissipate via mode conversion. This gives the right power flux for coronal heating and may account for chromospheric evaporation leading to impulsive heat transport in the corona.
@article{arxiv.2103.08746,
title = {Quantum thermodynamics of coronal heating},
author = {Robert Alicki and Alejandro Jenkins},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2103.08746},
year = {2022}
}
Comments
6 pages, 2 figures + supplemental material (3 pages, no figures). v3: More discussion of diffusion and thermalization of superradiant Alfven modes, added figure to clarify issue of effective temperature gradient, underlined compatibility of our theory with models of "chromospheric evaporation", references improved