Chromospheric Spectropolarimetry: Past Results and Future Prospects

Abstract:

The solar chromosphere is an important transition layer between the optically thick solar interior and the optically thin outer solar atmosphere. The topology of the chromosphere is governed by magnetic fields because the magnetic energy density is larger than the mechanical energy density. Spectropolarimetric observations in chromospheric spectral lines are the best approach to directly infer the structure of chromospheric magnetic fields. In this talk, I will review past results on the chromospheric magnetic structure in the quiet Sun, active regions, limb spicules and prominences obtained from spectropolarimetric observations, and discuss the prospects and requirements to expand our knowledge of the solar chromosphere with future observations in an era of 4-m class solar telescopes.