Acceleration of electrons in strong beam-plasma interactions

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/GL011i012p01176· OSTI ID:5924059

Wilhelm, K; Bernstein, W; Kellogg, P J; Whalen, B A

The sounding rocket payload SCEX (Several Compatible Experiments to utilize an electron accelerator; NASA flight 27.045) launched on January 27, 1982 from the Churchill Research Range provided an opportunity to observe the effects of strong beam-plasma interactions on the electron population in a region of space remote from the main payload carrying the accelerator. We present observations demonstrating that electron energies of up to four times the injection energy occurred during accelerator operations in high-current mode. Detailed instrumental performance characteristics in flight and in the laboratory will be discussed. The acceleration events occurred at reception pitch angles between 54/sup 0/ and 126/sup 0/. Long confinement times seem to be a necessary condition for generating the energetic electrons. It is proposed that they result from the length of the interaction region.

• Research Organization: Max-Planck-Institut fuer Aeronomie
• OSTI ID: 5924059
• Journal Information: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 11:12; ISSN GPRLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ACCELERATION
ANGULAR DISTRIBUTION
BEAM INJECTION
BEAM-PLASMA SYSTEMS
BEAMS
DISTRIBUTION
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRON BEAM INJECTION
ELECTRON BEAMS
IONOSPHERE
LEPTON BEAMS
PARTICLE BEAMS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLASMA ACCELERATION
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS