Spatially Resolved Microwave Observations of Multiple Periodicities in a Flaring Loop

Quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs) with at least three simultaneously existing spectral components with periods P≥30 s, P≈20 s, and about P≈10 s were detected during the decay phase of a solar flare on 3 July 2002, observed with the Nobeyama Radioheliograph (NoRH). A detailed study of the spatial structure of the Fourier amplitudes of QPPs along a flaring loop has revealed different spatial distributions of the three components. It is shown that the source of the QPPs with period P≥30 s has its maximum amplitude in the inner region of the loop, between the footpoints. QPPs with period P≈20 s are localized at the periphery of the loop, mainly in the outer parts of the footpoints. The spatial distribution of oscillations with period about P≈10 s contains three regions of high QPP amplitudes: two near the footpoints and one in the middle of the flaring region. It is shown that the observed properties of the spectral components are most accurately described by the fundamental, second, and third harmonics of the kink mode standing waves. This is the first identification of the kink mode in flare loops which is based on strict limitations derived from data on the spatial structure of a pulsating flare region.