Analysis of small scale solar magnetic fields using Hinode SOT SP

This thesis presents an analysis of small magnetic structures found in the solar photosphere observed by the spectropolarimeter aboard the Hinode satellite. The investigations contained in the thesis conclude that: (1) Internetwork magnetic fields on the disc centre of the quiet Sun are invariant between November 2006 and May 2012 and support a local dynamo scenario as the principal source of these fields. (2) Magnetic fields forming plage regions near sunspots have typical field strengths of 1.5kG, inclinations of 10° – 15° and expand with height. Furthermore, these magnetic fields are surrounded by rings of downflows with speeds of 1 – 3km/s, which in turn harbour weaker fields, typically 100G, bearing the opposite polarity of the main plage fields.