Ionospheric modification by high-power radio waves

Conference · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9169(82)90013-7· OSTI ID:6522065

Duncan, L M

Powerful, high-frequency radio waves have been used to temporarily modify the ionosphere. Thermal and parametric interactions have led to a diverse range of observed phenomena, including generation of density striations and artificial spread-F, enhancements of electron plasma waves, production of extrathermal electron fluxes and enhanced airglow, modification of the D-region temperature and densities, wideband signal attenuation, and self-focusing and scattering of the electromagnetic waves. The physics of ionospheric modification by high-power radio waves is reviewed in the context of our current theoretical understanding; disturbance generation mechanisms are qualitatively described. In addition, results of recent experiments are summarized in which ionospheric irregularities are generated and their evolution and decay processes investigated in detail. The effects and potential controlled applications of these HF ionospheric modifications for various RF systems studies are discussed. The C/sup 3/I scientific community provides an important motivation for these ionospheric modification studies; their increased interaction and active participation in experimental design and interpretation are encouraged.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 6522065
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-81-870; CONF-810421-2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AIRGLOW
D REGION
DATA
DATA COMPILATION
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
F REGION
INFORMATION
IONOSPHERE
NUMERICAL DATA
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLASMA WAVES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
SPREAD F