  A statistical study of the correlation between hard X-ray and white light
emission in solar flares is performed in order to search for a link between
flare-accelerated electrons and white light formation. We analyze 43 flares
spanning GOES classes M and X using observations from RHESSI (Reuven Ramaty
High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager) and HMI (Helioseismic and Magnetic
Imager). We calculate X-ray fluxes at 30 keV and white light fluxes at 6173
\r{A} summed over the hard X-ray flare ribbons with an integration time of 45
seconds around the peak hard-X ray time. We find a good correlation between
hard X-ray fluxes and excess white light fluxes, with a highest correlation
coefficient of 0.68 for photons with energy of 30 keV. Assuming the thick
target model, a similar correlation is found between the deposited power by
flare-accelerated electrons and the white light fluxes. The correlation
coefficient is found to be largest for energy deposition by electrons above ~50
keV. At higher electron energies the correlation decreases gradually while a
rapid decrease is seen if the energy provided by low-energy electrons is added.
This suggests that flare-accelerated electrons of energy ~50 keV are the main
source for white light production.
