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Title: Plasma Parameters From Reentry Signal Attenuation

Abstract

This study presents the application of a theoretically developed method that provides plasma parameter solution space information from measured RF attenuation that occurs during reentry. The purpose is to provide reentry plasma parameter information from the communication signal attenuation. The theoretical development centers around the attenuation and the complex index of refraction. The methodology uses an imaginary index of the refraction matching algorithm with a tolerance to find suitable solutions that satisfy the theory. The imaginary matching terms are then used to determine the real index of refraction resulting in the complex index of refraction. Then a filter is used to reject nonphysical solutions. Signal attenuation-based plasma parameter properties investigated include the complex index of refraction, plasma frequency, electron density, collision frequency, propagation constant, attenuation constant, phase constant, complex plasma conductivity, and electron mobility. RF plasma thickness attenuation is investigated and compared to the literature. Finally, similar plasma thickness for a specific signal attenuation can have different plasma properties.

Authors:
ORCiD logo [1]
  1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
OSTI Identifier:
1429753
Report Number(s):
SAND2017-3118J
Journal ID: ISSN 0093-3813; 651984
Grant/Contract Number:  
AC04-94AL85000; NA0003525
Resource Type:
Accepted Manuscript
Journal Name:
IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 46; Journal Issue: 3; Journal ID: ISSN 0093-3813
Publisher:
IEEE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY; attenuation; electromagnetic propagation in plasma media; plasma properties; refraction

Citation Formats

Statom, T. K. Plasma Parameters From Reentry Signal Attenuation. United States: N. p., 2018. Web. doi:10.1109/TPS.2018.2801721.
Statom, T. K. Plasma Parameters From Reentry Signal Attenuation. United States. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPS.2018.2801721
Statom, T. K. Tue . "Plasma Parameters From Reentry Signal Attenuation". United States. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPS.2018.2801721. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1429753.
@article{osti_1429753,
title = {Plasma Parameters From Reentry Signal Attenuation},
author = {Statom, T. K.},
abstractNote = {This study presents the application of a theoretically developed method that provides plasma parameter solution space information from measured RF attenuation that occurs during reentry. The purpose is to provide reentry plasma parameter information from the communication signal attenuation. The theoretical development centers around the attenuation and the complex index of refraction. The methodology uses an imaginary index of the refraction matching algorithm with a tolerance to find suitable solutions that satisfy the theory. The imaginary matching terms are then used to determine the real index of refraction resulting in the complex index of refraction. Then a filter is used to reject nonphysical solutions. Signal attenuation-based plasma parameter properties investigated include the complex index of refraction, plasma frequency, electron density, collision frequency, propagation constant, attenuation constant, phase constant, complex plasma conductivity, and electron mobility. RF plasma thickness attenuation is investigated and compared to the literature. Finally, similar plasma thickness for a specific signal attenuation can have different plasma properties.},
doi = {10.1109/TPS.2018.2801721},
journal = {IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science},
number = 3,
volume = 46,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Feb 27 00:00:00 EST 2018},
month = {Tue Feb 27 00:00:00 EST 2018}
}

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Cited by: 11 works
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Figures / Tables:

Table I Table I: Matching and Filtering Algorithm Set-Up

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Works referencing / citing this record:

Analysis and optimization of microwave reflections in a plasma-metal model
journal, April 2019

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