CHIANTI—An Atomic Database for Emission Lines. VIII. Comparison with Solar Flare Spectra from the Solar Maximum Mission Flat Crystal Spectrometer

Abstract

In the present work we describe the comparison of the fluxes predicted by the latest version of the CHIANTI database (version 5.2) with the observed X-ray spectra of two solar flares from the Flat Crystal Spectrometer on board the Solar Maximum Mission on 1980 August 25 and 1985 July 2. The two flares were of GOES classes M1.5 and M4.5, respectively, and were observed in the 7.47-18.97 √Ö wavelength range. The aim of the present work is to benchmark the CHIANTI database in this range in an effort to assess its accuracy and completeness. Very good agreement is found at all wavelengths, except for Fe XVIII and Fe XIX lines between 14.7 and 16.4 √Ö. These discrepancies are discussed. A list of lines recommended for future diagnostic studies of X-ray sources is presented.