Time damping of linear non-adiabatic magnetoacoustic waves in a slab-like quiescent prominence

Abstract

We study the time damping of linear non-adiabatic magnetoacoustic waves in a homogeneous, isothermal and bounded magnetic slab of plasma with physical properties akin to those of quiescent solar prominences. Because of the chosen configuration, our results are related to short or intermediate period prominence oscillations and show that the damping times of fast modes are very long compared to those of slow modes. In an attempt to mimic optically thick prominences, different prominence regimes have been considered by reducing radiative losses. Then, when the temperature and/or density of the prominence are modified, the damping time varies in a complex way which also depends on the prominence regime considered. In all the prominence regimes, a minimum of the damping time can be obtained for a certain value of temperature and density. Finally, the consideration of different heating mechanisms, the case of no heating included, can modify the damping times in a substantial way while the periods are only slightly affected. © ESO 2005.