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Nonlinear evolution equation for Alfven waves, propagating in streaming plasmas with nonuniform densities and inhomogeneous magnetic fields, is obtained by using the reductive perturbation technique.
Many plasma-wave phenomena, observed by space-borne radio sounders, cannot be properly explained in terms of wave propagation in a cold plasma consisting of mobile electrons and infinitely massive positive ions. These phenomena include signals known as plasma resonances. The principal resonances at the harmonics of the electron cyclotron frequency, the plasma frequency, and the upper-hybrid frequency are well explained by the warm-plasma propagation of sounder-generated electrostatic waves, Other resonances have been attributed to sounder-stimulated plasma instability and non-linear effects, eigenmodes of cylindrical electromagnetic plasma oscillations, and plasma memory processes. Data from the topside sounders of the International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies (ISIS) program played a major role in these interpretations. A data transformation and preservation effort at the Goddard Space Flight Center has produced digital ISIS topside ionograms and a metadata search program that has enabled some recent discoveries pertaining to the physics of these plasma resonances. For example, data records were obtained that enabled the long-standing question (several decades) of the origin of the plasma resonance at the fundamental electron cyclotron frequency to be explained [Muldrew, Radio Sci., 2006]. These data-search capabilities, and the science enabled by them, will be presented as a guide to desired data search capabilities to be included in the Virtual Wave Observatory (VWO).
Polarized EM wave propagation and microwave Faraday rotation in solid state plasma in circular waveguide under strong magnetic field
Wave propagation in anisotropic plasma in presence of electron density irregularities, noting Faraday effect
Alfven wave propagation in certain rotational symmetric magnetic fields, showing that no bound states of such waves exist for finite field strengths
Externally imposed oscillating electric field excites transverse electromagnetic waves propagating perpendicular to it in cold plasma
The goal of this research is to examine the causes of field-aligned plasma acceleration in the auroral zone using satellite data and numerical simulations. A primary question to be addressed is what causes the field-aligned acceleration of electrons (leading to precipitation) and ions (leading to upwelling ions) in the auroral zone. Data from the Fast Auroral SnapshoT (FAST) and Polar satellites is used when the two satellites are in approximate magnetic conjunction and are in the auroral region. FAST is at relatively low altitudes and samples plasma in the midst of the auroral acceleration region while Polar is at much higher altitudes and can measure plasmas and waves propagating towards the Earth. Polar can determine the sources of energy streaming earthward from the magnetotail, either in the form of field-aligned currents, electromagnetic waves or kinetic particle energy, that ultimately leads to the acceleration of plasma in the auroral zone. After identifying and examining several events, numerical simulations are run that bridges the spatial region between the two satellites. The code is a one-dimensional, long system length particle in cell simulation that has been developed to model the auroral region. A main goal of this research project is to include Alfven waves in the simulation to examine how these waves can accelerate plasma in the auroral zone.
Ordinary mode electromagnetic wave propagation instability in high beta plasma, determining lower bound on growth rate
A review is given of the 38 rocket, satellite, and planetary payloads dedicated to ionospheric/magnetospheric radio sounding since 1961. Between 1961 and 1995, eleven sounding-rocket payloads from four countries evolved from proof-of-concept flights to sophisticated instruments. Some involved dual payloads, with the sounder transmitter on one and the sounder receiver on the other. The rocket sounders addressed specific space-plasma-wave questions, and provided improved measurements of ionospheric electron-density (N(sub e)) field-aligned irregularities (FAI). Four countries launched 12 ionospheric topside-sounder satellites between 1962 and 1994, and an ionospheric sounder was placed on the Mir Space Station in 1998. Eleven magnetospheric radio sounders, most of the relaxation type, were launched from 1977 to 2000. The relaxation sounders used low-power transmitters, designed to stimulate plasma resonances for accurate local Ne determinations. The latest magnetospheric sounder designed for remote sensing incorporated long antennas and digital signal processing techniques to overcome the challenges posed by low Ne values and large propagation distances. Three radio sounders from three countries were included on payloads to extraterrestrial destinations from 1990 to 2003. The scientific accomplishments of space-borne radio sounders included (1) a wealth of global N(sub e) information on the topside ionosphere and magnetosphere, based on vertical and magnetic-field-aligned N(sub e) profiles; (2) accurate in-situ N(sub e) values, even under low-density conditions; and (3) fundamental advances in our understanding of the excitation and propagation of plasma waves, which have even led to the prediction of a new plasma-wave mode.
Effects of a magnetic field on wave and pulse propagation in a shearing plasma are investigated. Equations for the wave fields are derived from Maxwell's equations and the Minkowski relations for an anisotropic medium, when the magnetic field is parallel to the shearing velocity. The independent propagation modes are elliptically polarized in the stationary frame and vary with the velocity of the medium. Numerical calculations are presented which show the propagation of waves and pulses through a plane-parallel shearing plasma in the case of weak and strong fields. It is found that in a weak field, propagation effects are very similar to those previously found in field-free models: the transmitted pulses acquire temporal modulations whose period is frequency dependent. In a strong field, the period of the temporal modulations is independent of frequency. Transmitted pulses can also undergo polarization changes as a result of phase differences between modes. These results are discussed in relation to their significance to propagation in a pulsar magnetosphere and, in particular, to a model for pulse microstructure.
Electromagnetism in distant geomagnetic field - microstructure of unstable collisionless plasma
Nonlinear constant profile plane waves in cold Vlasov hydrogen plasma under influence of external magnetic field
Radio wave propagation through plasmas studied for communication with hypersonic vehicles during reentry
Finite beta microinstabilities inherent in magnetic mirror confined plasmas, considering wave propagation across magnetic field at multiples of ion cyclotron frequency
It is pointed out that a great deal of data with potentially interesting collaborative applications has been obtained since the launch of ISEE-1 and ISEE-2 on October 22, 1977. ISEE-1 experiments are related to studies regarding electrons and protons, the plasma wave, the fast plasma, the plasma density, wave propagation, the E-field, cosmic rays and ions, energetic particles, the E-field, and ion composition. A diagram of the magnetosphere is presented, taking into account the approximate positions of the ISEE orbit at different times of the year. Procedures for obtaining data for collaborations are discussed. Early in the planning stage for the ISEE program it was suggested that collaborative experiments involving ISEE-1 and ISEE-3 on one side, and sounding rockets launched from the auroral zone on the other, might be a valuable approach for studying processes by which particles are precipitated into the auroral zone.
The following topics are discussed: a whistler-based electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) thruster; cross-field coupling in the helicon approximation; wave propagation; wave structure; plasma density; wave absorption; the electron distribution function; isothermal and adiabatic plasma flow; ECRH thruster modeling; a PIC code model; electron temperature; electron energy; and initial experimental tests. The discussion is presented in vugraph form.
A truly robust space exploration program will need to make use of in-situ resources as much as possible to make the endeavor affordable. Most space propulsion concepts are saddled with one fundamental burden; the propellant needed to produce momentum. The most advanced propulsion systems currently in use utilize electric and/or magnetic fields to accelerate ionized propellant. However, significant planetary exploration missions in the coming decades, such as the now canceled Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter, are restricted by propellant mass and propulsion system lifetimes, using even the most optimistic projections of performance. These electric propulsion vehicles are inherently limited in flexibility at their final destination, due to propulsion system wear, propellant requirements, and the relatively low acceleration of the vehicle. A few concepts are able to utilize the environment around them to produce thrust: Solar or magnetic sails and, with certain restrictions, electrodynamic tethers. These concepts focus primarily on using the solar wind or ambient magnetic fields to generate thrust. Technically immature, quasi-propellantless alternatives lack either the sensitivity or the power to provide significant maneuvering. An additional resource to be considered is the ambient plasma and magnetic fields in solar and planetary magnetospheres. These environments, such as those around the Sun or Jupiter, have been shown to host a variety of plasma waves. Plasma wave propulsion takes advantage of an observed astrophysical and terrestrial phenomenon: Alfven waves. These are waves that propagate in the plasma and magnetic fields around and between planets and stars. The generation of Alfven waves in ambient magnetic and plasma fields to generate thrust is proposed as a truly propellantless propulsion system which may enable an entirely new matrix of exploration missions. Alfven waves are well known, transverse electromagnetic waves that propagate in magnetized plasmas at frequencies below the ion cyclotron frequency. They have been observed in both laboratory and astrophysical settings. On Earth, they are being investigated as a possible means for plasma heating, current drive, and momentum addition in magnetic confinement fusion systems. In addition, Alfven waves have been proposed as a mechanism for acceleration of the solar wind away from the sun.
Wave normal and Poynting vector measurements from the Cassini radio and plasma wave instrument (RPWS) are used to examine the propagation characteristics of various plasma waves during the Earth flyby on August 18, 1999. Using the five-channel waveform receiver (WFR), the wave normal vector is determined using the Means method for a lightning-induced whistler, equatorial chorus, and a series of low-frequency emissions observed while Cassini was in the magnetosheath. The Poynting vector for these emissions is also calculated from the five components measured by the WFR. The propagation characteristics of the lightning-induced whistler were found to be consistent with the whistler wave mode of propagation, with propagation antiparallel to the magnetic field (southward) at Cassini. The sferic associated with this whistler was observed by both Cassini and the Stanford VLF group at the Palmer Station in Antarctica. Analysis of the arrival direction of the sferic at the Palmer Station suggests that the lightning stroke is in the same sector as Cassini. Chorus was observed very close (within a few degrees) to the magnetic equator during the flyby. The chorus was found to propagate primarily away from the magnetic equator and was observed to change direction as Cassini crossed the magnetic equator. This suggests that the source region of the chorus is very near the magnetic equator. The low-frequency emission in the magnetosheath has many of the characteristics of lion roars. The average value of the angle between the wave normal vector and the local magnetic field was found to be 16 degrees, and the emissions ranged in frequency from 0. 19 to 0.75 f(sub ce), where f(sub ce) is the electron cyclotron frequency. The wave normal vectors of these waves were primarily in one direction for each individual burst (either parallel or antiparallel to the local field) but varied in direction throughout the magnetosheath. This suggests that the sources of the emissions are far from the spacecraft and that there are multiple source regions.