Abstract
The NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center's solar vector magnetograph system is described; this sytem allows measurements of all components of the Sun's photospheric magnetic field over a 5 × 5 or 2.0 × 2.0 arc min square field-of-view with an optimum time resolution of ∼ 100 s and an optimum signal-to-noise of ∼ 1600. The basic system components are described, including the optics, detector, digital system and associated electronics. Automatic sequencing and control functions are outlined as well as manual selections of system parameters which afford unique system flexibility. Results of system calibration and performance are presented, including linearity, dynamic range, uniformity, spatial and spectral resolutions, signal-to-noise, electro-optical retardation and polarization calibration. Scientific investigations which utilize the unique characteristics of the instrument are described and typical results are presented.
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Hagyard, M.J., Cumings, N.P., West, E.A. et al. The MSFC vector magnetograph. Sol Phys 80, 33–51 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00153422
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00153422