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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

The distant bow shock and magnetotail of Venus - Magnetic field and plasma wave observations

An examination of the magnetic field and plasma wave data obtained by the Pioneer Venus orbiter in the wake region behind Venus discloses a well developed bow shock whose location is similar to that observed on previous missions in contrast to the dayside bow shock. Venus also has a well developed magnetotail in which the field strenght is enhanced over magnetosheath values and in which the magnetic field is aligned approximately with the solar wind direction. The boundary between magnetosheath and magnetotail is also marked by a change in the plasma wave spectrum.

Russell, C. T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Plasma wave measurements in the magnetosphere of Uranus

As Voyager 2 traversed the magnetosphere of Uranus, the plasma-wave instrument detected very significant phenomena related to local wave-particle interactions, radio emissions, and dust impacts. Here the region between the inbound and outbound bow shock traversals (covering a distance of more than 250 Uranus radii) is considered, and it is demonstrated that intense plasma-wave activity developed only in the inner magnetosphere (r less than 12 Uranus radii); this result is similar to that found at Saturn, but it is in marked contrast with the Jupiter case, where very strong wave activity was detected out to distances of 250 Jupiter radii. The Uranus plasma-wave observations in the inner magnetosphere are compared with corresponding results from the Jupiter and Saturn encounters, and it is shown that the Uranus wave measurements are unique in several significant ways. These new aspects include: (1) the detection of a marked inbound-outbound asymmetry and (2) the detection of whistler-mode waves that yield the strongest wave-particle interactions found in outer planet magnetospheres.

Scarf, F. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Plasma wave electric fields in the solar wind - Initial results from Helios 1

Plasma-wave measurements by Helios 1 show that the electric-field intensities in the solar wind are usually very low, much lower than those for comparable measurements near earth, where particles moving upstream from the bow shock often cause large disturbances in the solar wind. The most commonly occurring plasma wave detected by Helios is a sporadic emission at frequencies from about 1 to 10 kHz, between the electron and ion plasma frequencies. These waves are thought to be ion acoustic waves Doppler-shifted upward in frequency from below the ion plasma frequency. The maximum electric-field intensity of these waves is a few hundred microvolts per meter. At higher frequencies, from about 20 to 100 kHz, electron plasma oscillations are detected at frequencies near the local electron plasma frequency. These electron plasma oscillations are more intense, with field strengths sometimes as large as a few millivolts per meter, but occur very infrequently. Both the ion acoustic waves and the electron plasma oscillations show a tendency to occur at higher frequencies closer to the sun but no pronounced variation in intensity with radial distance from the sun. In four cases, electron plasma oscillations have been found in association with type III radio bursts.

Gurnett, D. A.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Direct imaging of plasma waves using ultrafast electron microscopy

A femtosecond plasma imaging modality based on a new development of ultrafast electron microscope is introduced. We investigated the laser-induced formation of high-temperature electron microplasmas and their subsequent non-equilibrium evolution. Based on a straightforward field imaging principle, we directly retrieve detailed information about the plasma dynamics, including plasma wave structures, particle densities, and temperatures. We discover that directly subjected to a strong magnetic field, the photo-generated microplasmas manifest in novel transient cyclotron echoes and form new wave states across a broad range of field strengths and different laser fluences. Intriguingly, the transient cyclotron waves morph into a higher frequency upper-hybrid wave mode with the dephasing of local cyclotron dynamics. The quantitative real-space characterizations of the non-equilibrium plasma systems demonstrate the feasibilities of a new microscope system in studying the plasma dynamics or transient electric fields with high spatiotemporal resolutions.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS2001

The Plasma Wave Environment of Europa

The Galileo spacecraft has executed nine close flybys of Jupiter's moon Europa for which plasma wave observations were obtained. This paper presents an analysis of the observations from these flybys taking into consideration the variable geometry of the trajectories in an attempt to characterize the general plasma-wave environment associated with the interaction of the Jovian magnetosphere with the moon. A wide variety of plasma-wave phenomena are found to be associated with this interaction. While there are apparently temporal variations which complicate the analysis, a crude model of the distribution of these phenomena around Europa is derived. Primarily on the upstream side of Europa, and working inward to the moon, electron-cyclotron harmonics are first observed, followed by a region within about two Europa radii of the moon with whistler-mode hiss or chorus, and culminating in a region closest to the moon where a band at the upper hybrid resonance frequency is sometimes enhanced over its ambient intensity. The wake region is approximately two Europa radii across and comprises a broadband, highly variable, and bursty electrostatic phenomenon. Upon closer inspection, these bursty emissions appear as solitary structures similar to those in Earth's auroral zone and plasma sheet boundary layer. In addition to the survey of wave phenomena in the vicinity of Europa, we provide density profiles derived primarily from the upper hybrid resonance frequency which is readily apparent throughout most of each of the flybys. Finally, we suggest that the whistler mode, electron cyclotron harmonic, and upper hybrid resonance emissions are driven by some combination of factors including variations in the magnetic field near Europa and the loss and production of plasma at Europa as a result of the interaction of the Jovian magnetosphere with the moon. By analogy with studies of the ion and electron holes and broadband electrostatic noise at Earth and Jupiter, we argue that the electrostatic solitary structures in the wake are associated with currents and beams coupling Europa to Jupiter's ionosphere.

Kurth, W. S.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Plasma waves at and near the neutral sheet

The ISEE 1 and 2 plasma wave observations in the geomagnetic tail in the vicinity of neutral sheet crossings are reported. The relevance of the plasma wave observations to the magnetic field, plasma, and energetic particle observations is considered. Broadband electrostatic noise and low frequency electromagnetic bursts are characteristic of the plasma sheet boundary layer and regions near the neutral sheet especially in the presence of strong flows, fluctuationg currents and sharp gradients in the fluxes of few keV electrons and protons. However, exactly at the neutral sheet most wave intensities decrease dramatically and this observation has important implications for theories requiring anomalous resistivity from plasma turbulence at the neutral sheet.

Anderson, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Ulysses radio and plasma wave observations in the Jupiter environment

The Unified Radio and Plasma Wave (URAP) experiment has produced new observations of the Jupiter environment, owing to the unique capabilities of the instrument and the traversal of high Jovian latitudes. Broad-band continuum radio emission from Jupiter and in situ plasma waves have proved valuable in delineating the magnetospheric boundaries. Simultaneous measurements of electric and magnetic wave fields have yielded new evidence of whistler-mode radiation within the magnetosphere. Observations of auroral-like hiss provided evidence of a Jovian cusp. The source direction and polarization capabilities of URAP have demonstrated that the outer region of the Io plasma torus supported at least five separate radio sources that reoccurred during successive rotations with a measurable corotation lag. Thermal noise measurements of the Io torus densities yielded values in the densest portion that are similar to models suggested on the basis of Voyager observations of 13 years ago. The URAP measurements also suggest complex beaming and polarization characteristics of Jovian radio components. In addition, a new class of kilometer-wavelength striated Jovian bursts has been observed.

Stone, R. G.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Photon polarizability and its effect on the dispersion of plasma waves

High-frequency photons travelling in plasma exhibit a linear polarizability that can influence the dispersion of linear plasma waves. We present a detailed calculation of this effect for Langmuir waves as a characteristic example. Here, two alternative formulations are given. In the first formulation, we calculate the modified dispersion of Langmuir waves by solving the governing equations for the electron fluid, where the photon contribution enters as a ponderomotive force. In the second formulation, we provide a derivation based on the photon polarizability. Then, the calculation of ponderomotive forces is not needed, and the result is more general.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1990

Plasma waves in the distant geomagnetic tail - ISEE 3

The plasma wave measurements obtained during ISEE 3's deep passes through the geomagnetic tail found that moderate to intense electric field turbulence occurred in association with the major plasma and magnetic field regions and flow phenomena. In the magnetopause boundary layer the electric field spectral amplitudes are typically sharply peaked at 316 Hz to 562 Hz. The tail lobe region which is upstream of slow shocks and is magnetically connected to the plasma sheet is characterized by wave spectras that peak in the 100- to 316-Hz range and at the electron plasma frequency. Within the plasma sheet, broadband electrostatic noise occurs in regions where the magnetic field strength exceeds 2 nT; this noise can also be found in the plasma sheet boundary layer in association with strong field-aligned plasma flows. As ISEE 3 moved between the different distant tail regions, distinct but often subtle changes occurred in the plasma wave spectra.

Coroniti, F. V.↗
NASA NTRS2008

ISIS Topside-Sounder Plasma-Wave Investigations as Guides to Desired Virtual Wave Observatory (VWO) Data Search Capabilities

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).

Benson, Robert F.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Data reduction and analysis of HELIOS plasma wave data

Reduction of data acquired from the HELIOS Solar Wind Plasma Wave Experiments on HELIOS 1 and 2 was continued. Production of 24 hour survey plots of the HELIOS 1 plasma wave data were continued and microfilm copies were submitted to the National Space Science Data Center. Much of the effort involved the shock memory from both HELIOS 1 and 2. This data had to be deconvoluted and time ordered before it could be displayed and plotted in an organized form. The UNIVAX 418-III computer was replaced by a DEC VAX 11/780 computer. In order to continue the reduction and analysis of the data set, all data reduction and analysis computer programs had to be rewritten.

Anderson, Roger R.↗
DOE OSTI2025

An implementation of a high-order generalized finite difference method for solving the time-harmonic cold plasma wave equation in toroidal geometry

A high-order physics-informed meshless finite difference numerical technique is introduced for solving the time-harmonic cold plasma wave equation in toroidal geometries, presenting a novel application of the generalized finite difference (GFD) method to plasma wave simulations. The algorithm employs an irregular distribution of computational points, with local point density informed by the shortest wavelength derived from the cold plasma dispersion relation. Numerical stability and robustness are addressed using regularization techniques. The algorithm, implemented for two spatial dimensions, solves for the wave electric field and is demonstrated to achieve convergence rates of $\mathcal{O}$($\mathcal{h}$ $\mathcal{P}$ )⁠. Verification tests reproduce plane wave solutions, and example simulations of ion cyclotron resonance heating and electron cyclotron resonance heating demonstrate its capability, approaching realistic tokamak plasma scenarios. This work contributes to laying a foundation for the GFD method to be used in more sophisticated, optimized, and physically realistic full-wave simulations in time-harmonic plasma wave research.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1979

Plasma wave observations near Jupiter - Initial results from Voyager 2

The Voyager 2 flyby of Jupiter, which occurred in July 1979, provided the second opportunity to study plasma waves in the vicinity of Jupiter (first measurements made by Voyager 1 in March 1979). Because of the somewhat different trajectory and plasma conditions at Jupiter, the Voyager 2 mission provided new perspectives for analyzing many of the phenomena detected by Voyager 1, and also revealed the presence of several new types of plasma waves. A survey is presented of the initial results from the Voyager 2 plasma wave instrument, with special emphasis on the new observations and comparisons with the Voyager 1 results. The data base for the present discussion starts with the first detection of radio emissions from Jupiter about six months before closest approach and ends about two weeks after closest approach

Gurnett, D. A.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Excitation and evolution of finite-amplitude plasma wave

The evolution of a small spatially periodic perturbation in the electron velocity distribution function in collisionless plasma is reconsidered by numerically solving the Vlasov and Poisson equations. The short as well as long time behaviors of the excited oscillations and damping/modulation are followed. In the small but finite-amplitude excited plasma wave, resonant electrons become trapped in the wave potential wells and their motion affects the low-velocity electrons participating in the plasma oscillations, leading to modulation of the latter at an effective trapping frequency. It is found that the phase space of the resonant and low-velocity electrons becomes chaotic, but then self-organization takes place but remains fine-scale chaotic. It is also found that as long as particles are trapped, there is only modulation and no monotonic damping of the excited plasma wave. The modulation period/amplitude increases/decreases as the magnitude of the initial disturbance is reduced. For the initial and boundary conditions used here, linear Landau damping corresponds to the asymptotic limit of the modulation period becoming infinite, or no trapping of the resonant electrons.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1986

Transverse auroral ion energization observed on DE-1 with simultaneous plasma wave and ion composition measurements

Simultaneous high-time-resolution plasma-wave and ion-composition measurements obtained with DE-1 during a magnetospheric-cusp crossing on March 15, 1984 and during an evening auroral-zone crossing on January 4, 1984 are reported. The data are presented graphically and characterized in detail, with a focus on the transverse energization of H(+) and O(+) ions. An O(+) distribution observed during the cusp crossing is shown to be well represented by a bi-Maxwellian distribution with temperatures 180 eV parallel and 250 eV perpendicular to the local magnetic field and a bulk flow velocity of 27 km/s up the magnetic-field line. In the auroral-zone data a simultaneous transverse-energy increase is detected in both H(+) and O(+) components in the presence of plasma-wave emissions at multiples of the hydrogen gyrofrequency.

Peterson, W. K.↗