Stokes imaging polarimetry using image restoration at the Swedish 1-m solar telescope

Abstract

Aims. We aim to achieve both high spatial resolution and high polarimetric sensitivity, using an earth-based 1m-class solar telescope, for the study of magnetic fine structure on the surface of the Sun. Methods. We use a setup with 3 high-speed, low-noise cameras to construct datasets with interleaved polarimetric states, particularly suitable for Multi-Object Multi-Frame Blind Deconvolution image restorations. We discuss the polarimetric calibration routine and various potential sources of error in the results. Results. We obtained near diffraction limited images, which have a noise level of ≈ 10-3Icont. We confirm that dark cores have a weaker magnetic field and a lower inclination angle with respect to the solar surface than the edges of the penumbral filament. We demonstrate that the magnetic field strength in faculae-striations is significantly lower than in other nearby parts of the faculae. © 2008 ESO.