Parametric excitation of high frequency plasma oscillations in the ionosphere by a powerful extraordinary radio wave
Abstract
The generation process of short wavelength (upper-hybrid and electron cyclotron) plasma oscillations resulting from induced scattering of a high power extraordinary radio wave by ions is studied. The threshold field E_thr determined by collisional damping of the excited waves is calculated. The minimum value E_thr is shown to be ≈ 1 V/m. This value is reached near the reflection level of the extraordinary wave when its frequency is situated between the electron gyroharmonics nomega_Be. Such a value can be easily exceeded in the heating experiments due to Airy swelling of the pump wave near the reflection level. In the cases nomega_Be - omega_0 ≪ omega_Be and omega_0 < 2omega_Be the instability quenches because of the absence of plasma oscillations with frequencies close to the pump wave frequency.
- Publication:
-
Advances in Space Research
- Pub Date:
- 1998
- DOI:
- 10.1016/S0273-1177(97)01006-5
- Bibcode:
- 1998AdSpR..21..697V