Direct observation of radiation belt electrons precipitation by the controlled injection of VLF signals from a ground-based transmitter

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/GL010i004p00361· OSTI ID:6034858

Imhof, W L; Reagan, J B; Voss, H D; Gaines, E E; Datlowe, D W; Mobilia, J; Helliwell, R A; Inan, U S; Katsufrakis, J; Joiner, R G

Radiation belt electrons precipitated by controlled injection of VLF signals from a ground based transmitter have been directly observed for the first time. These observations were part of the SEEP (Stimulated Emission of Energetic Particles) experiment conducted during May-December 1982. Key elements of SEEP were the controlled modulation of VLF transmitters and a sensitive low altitude satellite payload to detect the precipitation. An outstanding example of time-correlated wave and particle data occurred from 8680 to 8740 seconds. U. T. on 17 August 1982 when the satellite passed near the VLF transmitter at Cutler, Maine (NAA) as it was being modulated with a repeated ON (3--s)/OFF (2--s) pattern. During each of twelve consecutive pulses from the transmitter the electron counting rate increased significantly after start of the ON period and reached a maximum about 2 seconds later. The measured energy spectra revealed that approximately 15 to 50 percent of the enhanced electron flux was concentrated near the resonant energies for first order cyclotron interactions occurring close to the magnetic equator with the nearly monochromatic waves emitted from the transmitter.

• Research Organization: Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory, Palo Alto, CA 94304
• OSTI ID: 6034858
• Journal Information: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 10:4; ISSN GPRLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
640203 -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CHARGED-PARTICLE PRECIPITATION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRON PRECIPITATION
EMISSION
ENERGY SPECTRA
ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
LOSS CONE
RADIATION BELTS
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
SPECTRA
STIMULATED EMISSION