Propagating disturbances along a coronal loop from simultaneous EUV imaging and spectroscopic observations

Propagating disturbances（PDs） were studied along an active region loop using simultaneous imaging and spectroscopy. An image sequence recorded in the Fe Ⅸ/Fe X 171 channel, from TRACE and spectral data in the Si Ⅻ 520.6 line obtained from CDS/SOHO, are analyzed. A space-time map constructed from the TRACE image sequence shows the presence of PDs close to the loop foot point propagating with an apparent speed of 39 km s-1. The periodicity was found to be 5.4 min.The corresponding spectroscopic data from CDS, at a location away from the foot point, show oscillations in all three line parameters roughly at the same period. At locations farther from the foot point, the line width oscillation seems to disappear while the Doppler velocity oscillation becomes prominent. We attribute this to the signature of propagating slow waves that get affected by flows/other events close to the foot point. Spectral line profiles do not show much asymmetry, however, it is difficult to infer anything due to the broadened Gaussian shape of the CDS line profiles.

Measurements of spectral lines observed with Hinode/EIS as implications for coronal heating

We have measured the line widths and nonthermal velocities in 12 solar regions using high resolution EUV data taken by Hinode/EIS. We find that there exists a positive correlation between the intensity and nonthermal velocity for the Fe xII emission line as well as some other lines. The correlation coefficients decrease from the disk center to the limb. However, the nonthermal velocities of a particular spectral line do not vary much in different regions, so they are considered isotropic. In particular, we find that for a coronal loop structure, the largest widths and nonthermal velocities occur at the footpoints, where outflows appear. Based on these observational results, we discuss several physical processes responsible for coronal heating.

Diagnosing physical conditions near the flare energy-release sites from observations of solar microwave typeⅢbursts

In the physics of solar flares, it is crucial to diagnose the physical conditions near the flare energy- release sites. However, so far it is unclear how to diagnose these physical conditions. A solar microwave type III burst is believed to be a sensitive signature of primary energy release and electron accelerations in solar flares. This work takes into account the effect of the magnetic field on the plasma density and develops a set of formulas which can be used to estimate the plasma density, temperature, magnetic field near the magnetic reconnection site and particle acceleration region, and the velocity and energy of electron beams. We apply these formulas to three groups of microwave type III pairs in an X-class flare, and obtained some reasonable and interesting results. This method can be applied to other microwave type III bursts to diagnose the physical conditions of source regions, and provide some basic information to understand the intrinsic nature and fundamental processes occurring near the flare energy-release sites.

Editorial: solar radiophysics—recent results on observations and theories

Solar radiophysics is a rapidly developing branch of solar physics and plasma astrophysics. Solar radiophysics has the goal of analyzing observations of radio emissions from the Sun and understanding basic physical processes operating in quiet and active regions of the solar corona. In the near future, the commissioning of a new generation of solar radio observational facilities, which include the Chinese Spectral Radio Heliograph（CSRH） and the upgrade of the Siberian Solar Radio Telescope（SSRT）, and the beginning of solar observations with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array（ALMA）, is expected to bring us new breakthrough results of a transformative nature. The Marie-Curie International Research Staff Exchange（MC IRSES） “RadioSun” international network aims to create a solid foundation for the successful exploitation of upcoming solar radio observational facilities, as well as intensive use of the existing observational tools, advanced theoretical modeling of relevant physical processes and observables, and training a new generation of solar radio physicists. The RadioSun network links research teams from China,Czech Republic, Poland, Russia and the UK. This mini-volume presents research papers based on invited reviews and contributed talks at the 1st RadioSun workshop in China. These papers cover a broad range of research topics and include recent observational and theoretical advances in solar radiophysics, MHD seismology of the solar corona, physics of solar flares, generation of radio emission, numerical modeling of MHD and plasma physics processes, charged-particle acceleration and novel instrumentation.

Anisotropic Beam Model for the Spectral Observations of Radio Burst Fine Structures on 1998 April 15

A fine structure consisting of three almost equidistant frequency bands was observed in the high frequency part of a solar burst on 1998 April 15 by the spectrometer of Beijing Astronomical Observatory in the range 2.6-3.8 GHz. A model for this event based on beam-anisotropic instability in the solar corona is presented. Longitudinal plasma waves are excited at cyclotron resonance and then transformed into radio emission at their second harmonic. The model is in accordance with the observations if we suppose a magnetic field strength in the region of emission generation of about 200 G.

Analytical methods for nano-bio interface interactions

Knowledge on the interactions between engineered nanomaterials(ENMs) and biological systems is critical both for the assessment of biological effects of ENMs and for the rational design of ENM-based products. However, probing the events that occur at the nano-bio interface remains extremely challenging due to their complex and dynamic nature. So far, the understanding of mechanisms underlying nano-bio interactions has been mainly limited by the lack of proper analytical techniques with sufficient sensitivity, selectivity and resolution for characterization of nano-bio interface events. Moreover, many classic bioanalytical methods are not suitable for direct measurement of nano-bio interface interactions. These have made establishing analytical methodologies for systematic and comprehensive study of nano-bio interface one of the most focused areas in nanobiology. In this review we have discussed some representative developments regarding analytical techniques for nano-bio interface characterization, including the improvements of traditional methods and the emergence of powerful new technologies. These developments have allowed ultrasensitive, real-time analysis of interactions between ENMs and biomolecules, transformations of ENMs in biological environment, and impacts of ENMs on living systems on molecular or cellular level.