SPECTROSCOPY OF METAL OXIDE SPACE CLOUDS
Abstract
Natural variations of the electron density within high-altitude regions of the atmosphere (over 70 km, often referred to as the ionosphere) significantly impact the propagation of radio waves with effects that are frequency dependent. When uncontrolled, these signal modifications are detrimental to communications, targeting and GPS systems. It has been proposed that deliberate modification of high-altitude electron densities can be used be used to achieve temporary control of radio wave propagation1-3. A plausible method for creating an artificial electron cloud is to employ exothermic chemi-ionization reactions of the type M+O = MO+ + e-, where M is a lanthanide such as Sm, Nd or Gd. Sounding rocket experiments have been used to examine high- altitude releases of both Sm and Nd, that, on reacting with ambient atomic oxygen, create metal oxide space clouds (MOSC). The release of either Sm or Nd produces clouds that emit light in the visible spectral range. These emissions are driven by chemical reactions and solar excitation. Spectroscopic data have been recorded, but the analyses of these observations have been hampered by the lack of definitive spectroscopic data for the monoxides and their singly charged cations. In the proposed program we will record electronic spectra for SmO, SmO+, NdO, and NdO+ that will provide essential data for the analysis and modeling of MOSC emission spectra. These measurements will include determinations of radiative transition probabilities and photoionization cross-sections.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010411
Entities
People
- Michael C Heaven
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Emory University
- United States Air Force