A Study of Electron Beam Wave Generation
Abstract
This report summarizes theoretical and experimental work on electron beams in space. The purpose was to investigate the possibility of using a modulated electron beam on a space platform as a virtual antenna to radiate electromagnetic waves down to the earth's surface. Our study has established a strong theoretical base from which to make predictions of the electromagnetic radiation produced by a modulated electron beam in space, and it has given much new information about the wave and plasma effects produced in the vicinity of such a beam. Although it necessarily leaves some important questions unanswered, it nevertheless provides substantial support for the virtual antenna concept. Further experiments and theory will be required to establish the optimum conditions for radiation from such an antenna. Keywords: Electron beams; Space shuttle; Space plasma; Ultra low frequency; Extremely low frequency; Very low frequency; Beam plasma interactions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA196658
Entities
People
- Antony C. Fraser-smith
- Geoffrey D Reeves
- Kenneth J. Harker
- L. R. Owen Storey
- Peter M. Banks
- Rock I. Bush
- Torsten Neubert
Organizations
- Stanford University