Temperature diagnostics with multichannel imaging telescopes

Abstract

Modern solar telescope design in the EUV to x-ray range is now capable of producing large images in multiple channels at rapid cadences, with high spatial and temperature resolution. We discuss reconstruction of differential emission measures for solar coronal plasma using two state-of-the-art instruments: the X-Ray Telescope on Solar-B, and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on the Solar Dynamics Observatory. We discuss the relative merits of iteration and direct inversion methods for determining DEM(T). We also consider strategies for automating and visualizing DEM maps, given the high data rates that these instruments will produce. We touch on the scientific potential of high-cadence, spatially resolved DEM data products.