High spatial-resolution spectropolarimetry of small-scale solar magnetic fields

We present a study of the structure and the dynamics of small-scale magnetic elements within solar plage regions. Spectropolarimetric observations with high spatial and spectral resolutions have been obtained for three iron lines with different sensitivities to magnetic field strength and temperature with the Gregory Coude Telescope at the Observatorio del Teide/Tenerife. The main results are: 1. With the present spatial resolution of 0''.6-1''.0, the continuum intensity from magnetic areas is close to the average intensity of the quiet Sun (+/-5%). There is a slight tendency of decreasing intensity with increasing magnetic flux within the resolution elements. 2. Macroscopic velocities with rms values of 1.5-2.0 km s(-1) as used to explain the widths of the Stokes V profiles are not seen with the spatial resolution obtained here. 3. The large observed fluctuations in the wavelength separation of the red and blue Stokes V maxima suggest that there may be a considerable variation in the properties of the flux tubes. This should give constraints for modeling small-scale flux tubes.