Coronal loop seismology using multiple transverse loop oscillation harmonics

Centre for Fusion, Space, and Astrophysics, Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK e-mail: t.van-doorsselaere@warwick.ac.uk

Received: 3 May 2007
Accepted: 2 August 2007

Abstract

Context.TRACE observations (23/11/1998 06:35:57-06:48:43 UT) in the 171 Å bandpass of an active region are studied. Coronal loop oscillations are observed after a violent disruption of the equilibrium.

Aims.The oscillation properties are studied to give seismological estimates of physical quantities, such as the density scale height.

Methods.A loop segment is traced during the oscillation, and the resulting time series is analysed for periodicities.

Results.In the loop segment displacement, two periods are found: 435.6 ± and 242.7 ± , consistent with the periods of the fundamental and 2nd harmonic fast kink oscillation. The small uncertainties allow us to estimate the density scale height in the loop to be , which is about double the estimated hydrostatical value of . Because a loop segment is traced, the amplitude dependence along the loop is found for each of these oscillations. The obtained spatial information is used as a seismological tool to give details about the geometry of the observed loop.