Concerning the existence of a 'turbulent' magnetic field in the quiet Sun

Abstract

We report on the a5F-y5F* multiplet of Ti I and its interest for the study of 'turbulent' magnetic fields in the quiet solar photosphere. In particular, we argue that the sizable scattering polarization signal of the 4536 Åline (whose lower and upper levels have Landé factors equal to zero), relative to the rest of the lines in the multiplet, gives direct evidence for the existence of an ubiquitous, unresolved magnetic field. We cannot determine precisely the strength of the magnetic field, but its very existence is evidenced by the differential Hanle effect technique that this Ti I multiplet provides.