Plasma Wave Observations During Electron Beam Experiments at High Altitudes

Abstract

Electron beam experiments on the nearly geosynchronous P78-2 satellite conducted in 1979 resulted in observations of electron distributions suggestive of electron heating. Plasma wave observations during these experiments indicated intense radiation at the local electron gyrofrequency. The amplitude of these waves depended upon beam parameters. During 50 eV beam operations, current levels of 10 microAmps produced strong emissions. Current levels of 1 microAmps and 100 microAmps did not. Sufficient power was in the observed emissions to explain the heated electron distributions observed during the experiments. (jhd)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 18, 1990
Accession Number
ADA217780

Entities

People

  • D. R. Lowery
  • James Roeder
  • R. C. Olsen

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Amplitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cyclotron Waves
  • Detectors
  • Electric Fields
  • Electron Beams
  • Electron Guns
  • Electrons
  • Emission
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Measurement
  • Plasma Waves
  • Solar Panels
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Spectra

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electronics Engineering
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster