Ionization of a High Energy Neutral Beam Propagating in the Ionosphere

Abstract

By using modeled stripping ionization cross sections and standard atmospheric density models, we calculate stripping ionization probability of high energy (MeV) neutral beams propagating in the earth's atmosphere. Numerical results as functions of altitude, beam angle and beam energy are presented. We also consider Alfven's critical ionization velocity (CIV) process as an alternate ionization pathway. If CIV occurs as the neutral beam propagates through the geoplasma across the ambient magnetic field, it may be an important pathway to rapid ionization halting the beam. We conclude that the parametric conditions are unfavorable for CIV to occur. Neutral Beam, Stripping, Beam Propagation, Critical Ionization Velocity, Ionosphere.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 26, 1992
Accession Number
ADA273877

Entities

People

  • Shu T. Lai

Organizations

  • Phillips Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Atmospheric Density
  • Charge Transfer
  • Electrons
  • Energy
  • High Energy
  • Ion Beams
  • Ionization
  • Ionosphere
  • Ions
  • Low Density
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Nuclear Reactions
  • Particle Beams
  • Particles
  • Probability
  • Survival

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.