Investigating the Auroral Thermosphere with N2+ Lidar
Abstract
We present a new lidar method for investigation of the aurorally-modified ionosphere. Resonance nitrogen-ion (N2+ XB) lidar system is capable of making measurements of aurorally-ionized nitrogen in the polar ionosphere up to altitudes of ~300 km. We present a description of the prototype resonance lidar system that is currently being developed at Poker Flat Research Range. We compare the technical features and capabilities of this lidar system to conventional resonance lidar systems that measure atomic metals. Unlike incoherent scatter radar, the lidar measures a specific ionic species as opposed to a total ion profile. We describe how assimilative observational-modelling studies of the auroral E-region that combine measurements made with the lidar system, a radar system (i.e., the Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar), and a meridian scanning photometer with a multi-species ionospheric chemistry model will be conducted. We discuss how these observational-modelling studies will yield more accurate estimates of the ionic populations. We discuss how these studies can yield estimates of nitric oxide production while it is being created in the aurora, estimates of the auroral particle energy spectrum, and allow insights into the structure of pulsating aurora.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA476985
Entities
People
- Dirk Lummerzheim
- Liguo Su
- Richard A. Doe
- Richard L Collins
Organizations
- University of Alaska Fairbanks