Advanced All-Sky Imaging Photometer for Ionospheric Research
Abstract
The All-sky Imaging Photometer (ASIP) has been an invaluable tool in studying ionospheric processes by characterizing the evolution of plasma structures. ASIP measurements complement the repertoire of existing ground-based and satellite-based sensors needed to study our complex ionosphere by providing estimates of height, gradient scales, and morphological signatures to these multi-scale plasma structures. They can take the form of polar cap sub-visual arcs and polar cap patches at high latitudes which often requires high temporal resolution (seconds) or they can be slow time scale (1-2 minutes) effects such as equatorial F-region bubbles found at low latitudes. A dual-mode (image intensifier mode or bare-CCD mode) ASIP has been developed for ionospheric researchers to investigate these phenomena and, unlike its predecessors, provides them the option to optimize between temporal resolution and image quality. Imager sensitivity down to tens of Rayleighs has been achieved by applying the latest innovations in image intensifier, CCD, and narrow-band filter technologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 11, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA416247
Entities
People
- Cyril Lance
- Peter Ning
- Robert H. Eather