Active plasma antenna in the Earth's ionosphere

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• 作者：Chugunov ; Yu.V. ; Markov ; G.A.
• 关键词：Discharge in the ionosphere ; Active plasma antenna ; Electron precipitation
• 刊名：Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics
• 出版年：2001
• 出版时间：November, 2001
• 年：2001
• 卷：63
• 期：17
• 页码：1775-1787
• 全文大小：261 K

文摘

We discuss a new method for controlled stimulation of global perturbations in the Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere and new possibilities of diagnostics of the wave-particle interaction in the ionospheric and magnetospheric plasma. The method is based on the excitation of an RF plasma-wave discharge in the electromagnetic field of a rocket-borne dipole antenna in the lower oblique-resonance frequency band. The evolution of the discharge leads to the creation of strong local disturbances at ionospheric altitudes in the form of magnetic-field-aligned plasma irregularities with controllable properties. The method was verified in 6 rocket flights at middle and polar latitudes. We review the results of these experiments, focusing considerable attention on those which show significant plasma disturbances in the magnetic flux tube where the rocket is located and which demonstrate the diversity of capabilities of this method. In particular, it is shown that a deep (by an order of magnitude) modulation of energetic (≥40keV) precipitating electrons is available. We have demonstrated that a modulated discharge in the ionosphere can operate as an active plasma antenna. A generation of “echo” signals at the discharge modulation frequency and an excitation of the ionospheric Alfvén resonator in the PC band have also been observed. Along with numerous scientific advantages, the method has appeared to be energy-effective and low-cost, which makes it very promising for ionospheric and magnetospheric studies as well as for various practical applications.