Net circular polarization of sunspots in high spatial resolution

Context. Net circular polarization (NCP) of spectral lines in sunspots has been most successfully explained by the presense of discontinuities in the magnetic field inclination and flow velocity along the line-of-sight in the geometry of the embedded flux tube model of penumbrae (Delta gamma-effect). Aims. The fine scale structure of NCP in a sunspot is examined with special attention paid to spatial relations of the Evershed flow to confirm the validity of the present interpretation of the NCP of sunspots. Methods. High resolution spectro-polarimetric data of a positive-polarity sunspot obtained by the Solar Optical Telescope aboard Hinode are analysed. Results. A positive NCP is associated with the Evershed flow channels in both limb-side and disk center-side penumbrae and with up-flows in the penumbra at disk center. The negative NCP in the disk center-side penumbra is generated in inter-Evershed flow channels. Conclusions. The first result is apparently inconsistent with the current explanation of NCP with the Delta gamma-effect but rather suggests a positive correlation between the magnetic field strength and the flow velocity as the cause of the NCP. The second result serves as strong evidence for the presence of gas flows in inter-Evershed flow channels.