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High-sensitivity circular polarimetry of the Sun, 0.5 - 1.7 micronsUsing an isometric (symmetrical) photoelastic-modulator polarimeter and a Cassegrain telescope, broadband polarization measures of the Sun were obtained with unprecedented sensitivity. With an instrumental background of x 10 to the minus 6th power differential effects delta q = V/I of 1 x 10 to the minus 7th power were detectable. Some results: (1) the lambda dependence of broadband circular polarization in spots was observed out to 1.7 mu, extending the visible-light measurements of Illing, Landman, and Mickey. The q drops to of the order of 1 x 10 to the minus 5 power at 1.2 mu (in a strong spot), then rises at 1.6 mu. While molecules or other special mechanisms must play a role in the visible-light polarization, at lambda 1.5 mu the q values seem consistent with gray magneto-opacity. (2) By surveying inactive regions upper limits are set to broadband polarization due to global or deep-seated magnetic fields. For a double-toroidal pattern a differential measure is found, q sub b = (q sub ne + q sub sw - q sub nw - q sub - se) 14, at 1.7 mu, of (+1.2 + or = 0.7) x 10 to the minus 7th power a mean from three series in 1981. Based on a simple estimate by L. Biermann this would correspond to deep-down toroidal fields of or approx 2000 gauss. Extension of this work are discussed.
Document ID
19830012594
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kemp, J. C.
(Oregon Univ. Eugene, OR, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Smithsonian Astrophysics Observatory 2nd Cambridge Workshop on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems, and the Sun, Vol. 1
Subject Category
Solar Physics
Accession Number
83N20865
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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