Probing signatures of the alpha-effect in the solar convection zone

An attempt to extract maximum information on signatures of the alpha-effect from current helicity and twist density calculations in the solar photosphere is carried out. A possible interpretation of the results for developing the dynamo theory is discussed. The analysis shows that the surface magnetic current helicity is mainly negative/positive in the northern/southern hemispheres of the Sun. This indicates the actual alpha-effect at the photospheric level to be positive/negative, respectively. However, at the bottom of the convection zone, we may assume this effect to change the sign to negative/positive. We reveal some quantities related to the alpha-effect and discuss its spatial and temporal distribution. It is also found that there are a small number of active regions where the sign of the alpha-effect is opposite to that in most active regions. Such exceptional active regions seem to localize at certain active longitudes. We compare the determined regularities with theoretical predictions of the alpha-effect distribution in the solar convection zone.