Statistical Studies on Modified Neupert Effect

The qualitative description of the Neupert effect is that there is a causal relationship between the pulse component (hard X-ray, microwave burst) and the gradual component (soft X-ray emission) in a flare. The initial energy of the flare is released in the form of accelerating particles. The energetic particles produce HXR (hard X-ray) via nonthermal electron-ion bremsstrahlung as they lose their energies in the chromosphere. The SXR (soft X-ray) emission of the flare is the response of energetic particles injected into the chromosphere. According to the quantitative description of the classic Neupert effect, SXR should reach maximum instantly at the end of HXR emission (sign of nonthermal electron injection). However, previous observations have found that for quite a number of flares the SXR peak time (t2) is significantly later than the end time of HXR (t1) (τ=t2−t1,τ>0), deviating from the classic Neupert effect. In order to study the events deviating from the classic Neupert effect or not, we checked the RHESSI (Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager) and GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) events list from 2002 to 2015, and found out flare samples that have simple lightcurves at 25–50 keV together with other criteria. A total of 276 flare samples were finally selected. We have analysed the τ distribution of these flares, as well as the relationship between the loop length (represented by the distance between two footpoint sources d) and τ. We found that: (1) 227 sample flares present τ>0, which means that about 82% of total samples deviate from the classical Neupert effect; (2) there is a roughly linear correlation between τ and d, that is, the longer the loop is, the later the maximum time of SXR with respect to the end of HXR; (3) there seems to have a critical distance, within which the classic Neupert effect works. These results confirm the necessity of modifying Neupert effect, and expound its physical significance.