Linear Polarization Features in the Quiet-Sun Photosphere: Structure and Dynamics

Area of Science:

• Solar Physics
• Magnetohydrodynamics
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• The quiet Sun's photosphere exhibits complex magnetic field structures.
• Linear polarization features (LPFs) are sensitive indicators of magnetic fields in the solar atmosphere.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the physical properties, structure, and dynamics of LPFs in the quiet-Sun photosphere.
• To investigate the influence of noise levels and spatial resolution on LPF detection and properties.

Main Methods:

• High-resolution observations from Sunrise/IMaX were used.
• Data with varying noise levels were analyzed.
• Stokes inversions were performed to derive physical properties of LPFs.

Main Results:

• LPF occurrence, size, and polarization signals are dependent on noise and resolution.
• Detected LPFs cover ~10% of the area, are short-lived (30-300 s), small (radii 0.5-1.5 arcsec), and possess hG fields.
• LPFs exhibit an average horizontal speed of 1.2 km/s and are found in both upflow and downflow regions.

Conclusions:

• LPFs are dynamic, small-scale magnetic structures in the quiet Sun.
• Observational parameters significantly impact the study of these features.
• LPFs provide insights into the small-scale magnetic field behavior in the photosphere.