Very Low Frequency Signals and Whistler-Mode Amplification in the Magnetosphere and Limit-Cycle Behavior in the CECAF Infrared Free Electronic Laser
Abstract
Very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetic wave injection experiments were conducted on 23-24 January 1988 from a 42-km horizontal dipole antenna located at Siple Station, Antartica. The experiment consisted of a diagnostic format transmitted for one minute every five minute, for a 10 hour period between 1700 UT and 0300 UT. These signals were received and recorded at the conjugate magnetic field point location at Lake Mistissini, Canada. A detailed analysis of this data clearly demonstrates hot plasma effects such as saturated power levels, exponential growth rates, sideband formation and triggered emissions due to wave-particle interactions. These hot plasma effects remain constant over a time scale of 30 seconds but show large variations over a time scale of 5 minutes. These VLF signals were used to simulate whistler waves which occur naturally and are amplified by energetic electrons spiraling around magnetic field lines near the geomagnetic equator. Navy VLF communications are strongly affected by the presence of whistler waves. The electron and whistler wave interaction can be described by a theoretical model which is very similar to that used for free electron lasers (FEL).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA261776
Entities
People
- Daryl L. Caudle
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School