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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 August 2017
We give a critical review of the observations of solar activity in the IR and sub-mm range, which are quite scarce, except for the Fe I triplet at 1.56 μm and the Mg I emission lines at 12.32 μm. These, however, are mainly intended for solar magnetic field studies rather than physical diagnostics on activity phenomena. We compute the emission in some continuuum windows and in some detectable Paschen and Brackett lines in two extreme flare models, viz. a “chromospheric” and a white-light flare model. The utility of the Paschen and Brackett lines as diagnostics of the atmospheric state is questionable since more information can be obtained more easily by observing the higher Balmer lines. On the other hand, observations in various continuum windows can be of high scientific value and efficiency. We also discuss possible coordination with simultaneous visible observations, in order to increase the diagnostic efficiency of a prospective observing run.