Bibcode
Orozco Suárez, D.; Del Toro Iniesta, J. C.
Bibliographical reference
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Volume 462, Issue 3, February II 2007, pp.1137-1145
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2
2007
Journal
Citations
50
Refereed citations
45
Description
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.
Appendix A is only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org