Perspectives of current-layer diagnostics in solar flares

P.K. Sternberg Astronomical Institute, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Universitetskii prospekt 13, 119991 Moscow, Russia
e-mail: avo@sai.msu.ru

Received: 7 September 2012
Accepted: 21 July 2013

Abstract

Context. A reconnecting current layer is a “heart” of a solar flare, because it is a place of magnetic-field energy release. However, there are no direct observations of these layers.

Aims. The aim of our work is to understand why we actually do not directly observe current layers and what we need to do it in the future.

Methods. The method is based on a simple mathematical model of a super-hot (T ≳ 10⁸ K) turbulent-current layer (SHTCL) and a model of plasma heating by the layer.

Results. The models allow us to study a correspondence between the main characteristics of the layer, such as temperature and dimensions, and the observational features, such as differential and integral emission measure of heated plasma, intensity of spectral lines Fe xxvi (1.78 and 1.51 Å) and Ni xxvii (1.59 Å). This method provides a theoretical basis for determining parameters of the current layer from observations.

Conclusions. Observations of SHTCLs are difficult, because the spectral line intensities are faint, but it is theoretically possible in the future. Observations in X-ray range 1.5–1.8 Å with high spectral resolution (better than 0.01 Å) and high temporal resolution (seconds) are needed. It is also very important to interpret the observations using a multi-temperature approach instead of the usual single or double temperature method.