Electron Acceleration in the Corona

The series of nine impulsive, highly collimated beams of near-relativistic electrons seen by ACE/EPAM on 26 and 27 June 2004 occurred at a quiet time with respect to solar flare and CME production. However, they were accompanied by decametric type III radio bursts observed by WIND/WAVES, which had progressively higher starting frequencies, suggestive of coronal acceleration. There were no CMEs seen by SOHO/LASCO in association with any of the type III bursts except possibly the first. The energy spectrum of the electrons was soft, typically E^−4.5 but extended up to at least ∼200 keV. We suggest that the source region for these events is in the high corona. We discuss this result in the context of solar electron acceleration at other times.     

Interplanetary type III radiobursts and relativistic electrons

For the time periods 1979 April 22–May 17 and 1980 May 9–June 10, when the HELIOS spacecraft were located inside 0.5 AU, we compared the antenna temperature T _A of the 466 kHz type III bursts measured by the SBH instrument on ISEE 3 with the fluxes of 0.5 MeV electrons measured by HELIOS. For 51 flare-associated kilometric type III bursts (FAIII bursts) with log(T _A) > 10 we find: (1) 25 bursts (49%) are accompanied by a relativistic electron event in interplanetary space, (2) the probability for detection of an electron event decreases from more than 74% inside a cone of ± 20 ° to 56% inside a cone of ± 60° around the flare site, (3) there is only a small correlation between the brightness temperature of the radio burst and the size of the electron event, and (4) despite the broad scatter of these values there is a clear indication that for a given size of the relativistic electron event the intensity of the type III burst is about a factor of 5 higher if it is accompanied by a type II burst. These results give evidence (a) that at least part of the relativistic electrons frequently is accelerated together with non-relativistic electrons and (b) that the coronal shock associated with the metric type II burst has a weaker effect on relativistic than on non-relativistic electrons.Now at DFVLR, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany.     

The role of energetic electrons in the correlation of meter and decimeter type III bursts with 4 keV X-ray emission

The correlation of type III burst-groups with 4 keV solar X-ray emission is examined. A total of 151 burst-groups reported by the Fort Davis Observatory were compared with X-ray emission observed by the Naval Research Laboratory experiment on the OGO-5 satellite. A higher X-ray correlation is found for type III burst-groups when: (1) the bursts are observed on the decimeter band and (2) the bursts are more intense. The bremsstrahlung flux resulting from the proposed coronal loss of the E< 10 keV type III electrons is shown to be below the detection threshold of the OGO-5 experiment. No fine structure is found in the correlated impulsive X-ray bursts with a time scale on the order of one second. It is proposed that electrons are accelerated over a time of 10–100 s or more and that the type III bursts are the result of the occasional escape of a small fraction of the energetic electrons from the acceleration region.     

Interpretation of time characteristics of solar X-ray bursts referring to associated microwave bursts

It has been controversial whether the flare-associated hard X-ray bursts are thermal emission or non-thermal emission. Another controversial point is whether or not the associated microwave impulsive burst originates from the common electrons emitting the hard X-ray burst.It is shown in this paper that both the thermal and non-thermal bremsstrahlung should be taken into account in the quantitative explanation of the time characteristics of the hard X-ray bursts observed so far in the photon energy range of 10–150 keV. It is emphasized that the non-thermal electrons emitting the hard X-rays and those emitting the microwave impulsive burst are not common. The model is as follows, which is also consistent with the radio observations.At the explosive phase of the flare a hot coronal condensation is made, its temperature is generally 10⁷ to 10⁸K, the number density is about 10¹⁰ cm^–3 and the total volume is of the order of 10²⁹ cm³. A small fraction, 10^–3–10^–4, of the thermal electrons is accelerated to have power law distribution. Both the non-thermal and thermal electrons in the sporadic condensation contribute to the X-ray bursts above 10 keV as the bremsstrahlung. Fast decay of the harder X-rays (say, above 20 keV) for a few minutes is attributed to the decay of non-thermal electrons due to collisions with thermal electrons in the hot condensation. Slower decay of the softer X-rays including around 10 keV is attributed to the contribution of thermal component.The summary of this paper was presented at the Symposium on Solar Flares and Space Research, COSPAR, Tokyo, May, 1968.     

MICROWAVE EMISSION FROM CORONAL HEIGHTS: STUDY OF A NON-THERMAL RADIO FLARE

Two small radio flares following the great gamma-ray burst on 11 June 1991 are studied. We analyse the different association of emission features at microwaves, decimeter waves, and soft and hard X-rays for the events. The first flare has well-defined emission features in microwaves and soft and hard X-rays, and a faint decimetric signature well after the hard X-ray burst. It is not certain if the decimetric event is connected to the burst features. The second event is characterized by an almost simultaneous appearance of hard X-ray burst maxima and decimetric narrowband drift bursts, but soft X-ray emission is missing from the event. With the exception of the possibility that the soft X-ray emission is absorbed along the way, the following models can explain the reported differences in the second event: (1) Microwave emission in the second event is produced by 150 keV electrons spiraling in the magnetic field relatively low in the corona, while the hard X-ray emission is produced at the beginning of the burst near the loop top as thick-target emission. If the bulk of electrons entered the loop, the low-energy electrons would not be effectively mirrored and would eventually hit the footpoints and cause soft X-ray emission by evaporation, which was not observed. The collisions at the loop top would not produce observable plasma heating. The observed decimetric type III bursts could be created by plasma oscillations caused by electron beams traveling along the magnetic field lines at low coronal heights. (2) Microwave emission is caused by electrons with MeV energies trapped in the large magnetic loops, and the electrons are effectively mirrored from the loop footpoints. The hard X-ray emission can come both from the loop top and the loop footpoints as the accelerated lower energy electrons are not mirrored. The low-energy electrons are not, however, sufficient to create observable soft X-ray emission. The type III emission in this case could be formed either at low coronal heights or in local thick regions in the large loops, high in the corona.     

Radio and soft X-ray investigation of the solar flares of February 4, 1986

In this paper, the 3B flare of February 4, 1986 is studied comprehensively. The escape electrons accelerated to 10–100 keV at the top of coronal loop are confirmed by III type bursts. The energetic electron beams moved downward trigger the eruptions in the low layer of solar atmosphere. The radio and soft X-ray bursts are interpreted, respectively, by the maser mechanism and evaporation effect. Finally, the important role of energetic electron beams in solar flares is pointed out.     

Statistical Characteristics on SEPs,Radio-Loud CMEs,Low Frequency Type II and Type III Radio Bursts Associated with Impulsive and Gradual Flares

We have statistically analyzed a set of 115 low frequency (Deca-Hectometer wavelengths range) type II and type III bursts associated with major Solar Energetic Particle (SEP: E_p?>?10 MeV) events and their solar causes such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) observed from 1997 to 2014. We classified them into two sets of events based on the duration of the associated solar flares:75 impulsive flares (duration <?60 min) and 40 gradual flares (duration >?60 min).On an average, the peak flux (integrated flux) of impulsive flares?×?2.9 (0.32 J m^?2) is stronger than that of gradual flares M6.8 (0.24 J m^?2). We found that impulsive flare-associated CMEs are highly decelerated with larger initial acceleration and they achieved their peak speed at lower heights (??27.66 m s^?2 and 14.23 R_o) than the gradual flare-associated CMEs (6.26 m s^?2 and 15.30 R_o), even though both sets of events have similar sky-plane speed (space speed) within LASCO field of view. The impulsive flare-associated SEP events (R_t?=?989.23 min: 2.86 days) are short lived and they quickly reach their peak intensity (shorter rise time) when compared with gradual flares associated events (R_t?=?1275.45 min: 3.34 days). We found a good correlation between the logarithmic peak intensity of all SEPs and properties of CMEs (space speed: cc?=?0.52, SE_cc?=?0.083), and solar flares (log integrated flux: cc?=?0.44, SE_cc?=?0.083). This particular result gives no clear cut distinction between flare-related and CME-related SEP events for this set of major SEP events. We derived the peak intensity, integrated intensity, duration and slope of these bursts from the radio dynamic spectra observed by Wind/WAVES. Most of the properties (peak intensity, integrated intensity and starting frequency) of DH type II bursts associated with impulsive and gradual flare events are found to be similar in magnitudes. Interestingly, we found that impulsive flare-associated DH type III bursts are longer, stronger and faster (31.30 min, 6.43 sfu and 22.49 MHz h^?1) than the gradual flare- associated DH type III bursts (25.08 min, 5.85 sfu and 17.84 MHz h^?1). In addition, we also found a significant correlation between the properties of SEPs and key parameters of DH type III bursts. This result shows a closer association of peak intensity of the SEPs with the properties of DH type III radio bursts than with the properties DH type II radio bursts, atleast for this set of 115 major SEP events.

     

Sources of SEP Acceleration during a Flare – CME Event

A high-speed, halo-type coronal mass ejection (CME), associated with a GOES M4.6 soft X-ray flare in NOAA AR 0180 at S12W29 and an EIT wave and dimming, occurred on 9 November 2002. A complex radio event was observed during the same period. It included narrow-band fluctuations and frequency-drifting features in the metric wavelength range, type III burst groups at metric – hectometric wavelengths, and an interplanetary type II radio burst, which was visible in the dynamic radio spectrum below 14 MHz. To study the association of the recorded solar energetic particle (SEP) populations with the propagating CME and flaring, we perform a multi-wavelength analysis using radio spectral and imaging observations combined with white-light, EUV, hard X-ray, and magnetogram data. Velocity dispersion analysis of the particle distributions (SOHO and Wind in situ observations) provides estimates for the release times of electrons and protons. Our analysis indicates that proton acceleration was delayed compared to the electrons. The dynamics of the interplanetary type II burst identify the burst source as a bow shock created by the fast CME. The type III burst groups, with start times close to the estimated electron-release times, trace electron beams travelling along open field lines into the interplanetary space. The type III bursts seem to encounter a steep density gradient as they overtake the type II shock front, resulting in an abrupt change in the frequency drift rate of the type III burst emission. Our study presents evidence in support of a scenario in which electrons are accelerated low in the corona behind the CME shock front, while protons are accelerated later, possibly at the CME bow shock high in the corona.     

The effect of wave generation on HXR bremsstrahlung spectra from flare thick-target beams

Fast electrons in the solar atmosphere are detected by their hard X-ray bremsstrahlung and by type III radio bursts caused by ‘bump-on-tail’ plasma wave generation. This paper investigates empirically the effect of wave generation on the HXR spectrum. Purely collisional propagation of an electron beam generates a bump in the distribution function, due to stopping of low-velocity electrons. The consequent positive gradient means there is a possibility of wave generation, production of type III radio bursts, and energy redistribution of the electron beam. We have represented this relaxation parametrically and calculated the global bremsstrahlung HXR emission spectrum. We show that for a range of relaxed forms, with different local electron spectral shapes, the bremsstrahlung spectrum integrated over the whole target is identical in shape to the purely collisionally evolved beam. Our results show that spatially integrated HXR spectral measurements would be unable to distinguish between the presence or absence of relaxation effects. Only spatially resolved hard X-ray spectra, such as anticipated from the HESSI mission, will be able to remove this ambiguity in HXR diagnostics of beam relaxation.     

The emission and propagation of ∼ 40keV solar flare electrons

Observations of prompt 40 keV solar flare electron events by the IMP series of satellites in the period August, 1966 to December, 1967 are tabulated along with prompt energetic solar proton events in the period 1964–1967. The interrelationship of the various types of energetic particle emission by the sun, including relativistic energy electrons reported by Cline and McDonald (1968) are investigated. Relativistic energy electron emission is found to occur only during proton events. The solar optical, radio and X-ray emission associated with these various energetic particle emissions as well as the propagation characteristics of each particle species are examined in order to study the particle acceleration and emission mechanisms in a solar flare. Evidence is presented for two separate particle acceleration and/or emission mechanisms, one of which produces 40 keV electrons and the other of which produces solar proton and possibly relativistic energy electrons. It is found that solar flares can be divided into three categories depending on their energetic particle emission: (1) small flares with no accompanying energetic phenomena either in particles, radio or X-ray emission; (2) small flares which produce low energy electrons and which are accompanied by type III and microwave radio bursts and energetic ( 20 keV) X-ray bursts; and (3) major solar flare eruptions characterized by energetic solar proton production and type II and IV radio bursts and accompanied by intense microwave and X-ray emission and relativistic energy electrons.     

Soft X-ray observation of a large-scale coronal wave and its exciter

Recent extreme ultraviolet (EUV) observations from SOHO have shown the common occurrence of flare-associated global coronal waves strongly correlated with metric type II bursts, and in some cases with chromospheric Moreton waves. Until now, however, few direct soft X-ray detections of related global coronal waves have been reported. We have studied Yohkoh Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) imaging observations to understand this apparent discrepancy, and describe the problems in this paper. We have found good X-ray evidence for a large-scale coronal wave associated with a major flare on 6 May 1998. The earliest direct trace of the wave motion on 6 May consisted of an expanding volume within 20 Mm (projected) of the flare-core loops, as established by loop motions and a dimming signature. Wavefront analyses of the soft X-ray observations point to this region as the source of the wave, which began at the time of an early hard X-ray spike in the impulsive phase of the flare. The emission can be seen out to a large radial distance (some 220 Mm from the flare core) by SXT, and a similar structure at a still greater distance by EIT (the Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope) on SOHO. The radio dynamic spectra confirm that an associated disturbance started at a relatively high density, consistent with the X-ray observations, prior to the metric type II burst emission onset. The wavefront tilted away from the vertical as expected from refraction if the Alfvén speed increases with height in the corona. From the X-ray observations we estimate that the electron temperature in the wave, at a distance of 120 Mm from the flare core, was on the order of 2–4 MK, consistent with a Mach number in the range 1.1–1.3. Supplementary material to this paper is available in electronic form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1022904125479 deceased     

Shock waves and type II radiobursts in the interplanetary medium

The planetary radio astronomy experiment on the Voyager spacecraft observed several type II solar radiobursts at frequencies below 1.3 MHz; these correspond to shock waves at distances between 20R and 1 AU from the Sun. We study the characteristics of these bursts and discuss the information that they give on shock waves in the interplanetary medium and on the origin of the high energy electrons which give rise to the radioemission. The relatively frequent occurence of type II bursts at large distances from the Sun favors the hypothesis of the emission by a longitudinal shockwave. The observed spectral characteristics reveal that the source of emission is restricted to only a small portion of the shock. From the relation between type II bursts, type III bursts and optical flares, we suggest that some of the type II bursts could be excited by type III burst fast electrons which catch up the shock and are then trapped.     

Association between gradual hard X-Ray emission and metric continua during large flares

X-ray radiation is used to study coronal phenomena in conjunction with meter wave observations during some large solar flares. It is found that metric flare continua and moving type IV bursts are associated with gradual and long lasting (a few tens of minutes) microwave and hard X-ray emissions. The detailed temporal analysis reveals that although metric and hard X-ray sources are located at very different heights, both kinds of emission result from a common and continuous/repetitive injection of electrons in the corona. The late part of the metric event (stationary type IV burst) is only associated with soft X-ray radiation. This indicates that the mean energy of the radiating electrons is lower during stationary type IV bursts than during the earlier parts of the event.     

Electron acceleration in flares inferred from radio and hard X-ray emissions

Properties of electron acceleration in flares, especially the density structure in the acceleration region, are deduced from a correlation study between decimetric type III, spike, and hard X-ray (HXR) bursts. The high association rate found (71%) strongly suggests that spikes also originate from energetic electrons. Spikes and type III bursts have been found to be easily identified by their different polarizations. The two types of emission generally do not overlap in frequency. A reliable lower limit to the density is derived from the starting frequency of type III and U bursts. The spike emission very likely yields an upper limit. The density inhomogeneity in the acceleration region spans more than one order of magnitude and is more than one order of magnitude larger in the associated type U sources. A peak-to-peak correlation does not always exist between type III, spike and HXR bursts. This discrepancy can be interpreted in terms of the different source conditions and propagation properties. Whereas spikes need special conditions to become visible, type III and peaks of HXR may be the product of many elementary accelerations.Proceedings of the Workshop on Radio Continua during Solar Flares, held at Duino (Trieste), Italy, 27–31 May, 1985.     

On two distinct shocks during the flare of 9 July 1996

Due to the emission of shock-accelerated electrons, broadband radio observations display propagating super Alfvénic shock waves in the low corona ('type II bursts'). We study the 9 July 1996 flare (AR NOAA 7978) focusing on the aspect of shock generation. This event's radio spectrogram shows two different type II bursts in sequence. Radio imaging data (Paris, Meudon Observatory) reveal that both bursts appear at different sites above the H flare. The driver of the first type II burst seems to propagate with twice the speed of the second one. The projected source site of the first type II burst (seen earlier and at higher frequencies) is spatially situated further away from the H flare site than the source of the second type II burst. We try to understand this by comparing with Yohkoh soft X-ray images. The first shock source occurs near the top of high soft X-ray loop structures. Its driver can be a guided fast mode magnetic disturbance. The second type II source appears in-between two high soft X-ray loop systems. This might be a piston-driven disturbance powered by an evaporation front. We get a consistent picture only by assuming a very inhomogeneous Alfvén speed in the active region's atmosphere.     

The role of the magnetic field intensity and geometry in the type III burst generation

We study the association of type III bursts related to H flares in different magnetic environments in the period 1970–1981. Special attention is paid to flares which partly cover a major spot umbra (Z-flares). In particular we consider the location of the spots in the active regions and the magnetic field intensities of spots covered by a ribbon. The association rate with type III bursts decreases to 17% when the flare is located inside the bipolar pattern of a large active region, compared with an association rate of 54% when the flare is situated outside it. The association rate increases with the magnetic field intensity of the spot covered by H emission; this is most clearly revealed for the flares occurring outside the bipolar pattern of active regions. Ninety-three percent of the flare-associated type III burst were accompanied by 10 cm radio bursts. For the most general case in which a flare is developing anywhere in an active region, the association with type III bursts generation increases with the increasing magnetic field intensity of the main spot of the group.     

The possible role of energetic electrons in the production of surges

Energetic electrons, which play a major role in the explosive phases of flares, are proposed as the energy source for the production of surges. Flare data from a two-year interval are analyzed to show that the probability of having surges associated with flares is greater when there are accompanying decimeter type III bursts or impulsive 8800 MHz bursts. The model of chromospheric heating by impulsive electrons proposed by Hudson is examined and shown to provide an adequate explanation for the origin of flare surges. The proposed surge model is consistent with the temporal evolution of the flare-surge event and the required surge energy. Surges not accompanied by flares can also probably be explained by the model.     

Thermal evolution of flare plasma

The evolution of hot thermal plasma in solar flares is analyzed by a single-temperature model applied to continuum emission in the 5 keV < E ? 13 keV spectral range. The general trend that the thermal plasma observed in soft X-rays is heated by the non-thermal electrons that emit as the hard X-ray bursts is confirmed by the observation of an electron temperature increase at the time interval of hard X-ray spikes and a quantitative comparison between thermal energy content and hard X-ray energy input. Non-thermal electrons of 10 keV < E < 30 keV energy may play an important role in pre- and post-burst phases.     

Some studies on solar microwave bursts in relation to the phases of the associated Hα-flares and their spectral nature

Occurrences of the flare-associated microwave bursts as well as their peak flux and energy excess spectra have been examined in relation to the pre- and post-maximum phases of the respective flares during the period 1969–72. Results obtained are: (i) about 76% of the flare-associated bursts occur in the pre-maximum phase and the remaining 24% occurs in the post-maximum phase irrespective of the flare classification, intensity-wise or area-wise; (ii) ‘impulsive’ and ‘gradual rise and fall’ bursts are relatively more important in the pre-maximum phase while ‘post burst increase’ bursts show comparatively higher occurrences in the post-maximum phase; (iii) peak flux and energy excess spectra of the concurrent microwave bursts in the pre-maximum phase of the flare are mostly of ‘inverted U’ and ‘increasing with frequency’ spectral types. Of these, ‘impulsive’ bursts are predominantly of the ‘inverted U’ and the ‘grf’ bursts are of the ‘increasing with frequency’ spectral type.     

Energetic Particle Acceleration and Propagation in Strong CME-Less Flares

Flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) contribute to the acceleration and propagation of solar energetic particles (SEP) detected in the interplanetary space, but the exact roles of these phenomena are yet to be understood. We examine two types of energetic particle tracers related with 15 CME-less flares that emit bright soft X-ray bursts (GOES X class): radio emission of flare-accelerated electrons and in situ measurements of energetic electrons and protons near 1 AU. The CME-less flares are found to be vigorous accelerators of microwave-emitting electrons, which remain confined in low coronal structures. This is shown by unusually steep low-frequency microwave spectra and by lack of radio emission from the middle and high corona, including dm?–?m wave type IV continua and metre-to-hectometre type III bursts. The confinement of the particles accelerated in CME-less flares agrees with the magnetic field configuration of these events inferred by others. Two events produced isolated metric type II bursts revealing coronal shock waves. None of the seven flares in the western hemisphere was followed by enhanced particle fluxes in the GOES detectors, but one, which was accompanied by a type II burst, caused a weak SEP event detected at SoHO and ACE. Three of the CME-less flares were followed within some hours by SEP-associated flares from the same active region. These SEP-producing events were clearly distinct from the CME-less ones by their association with fast and broad CMEs, dm?–?m wave radio emission, and intense DH type III bursts. We conclude that radio emission at decimetre and longer waves is a reliable indication that flare-accelerated particles have access to the high corona and interplanetary space. The absence of such emission can be used as a signal that no SEP event is to be expected despite the occurrence of a strong soft X-ray burst.