Maestro: a new python framework for orchestrating ray tracing simulations of radio frequency plasma waves in the magnetosphere

We are studying the generation and propagation of whistler-mode waves from the upper ionosphere into the magnetosphere. We are using a ray-tracing approach to solve the wave propagation problem, which enables low computational-cost, rapid parameter scans. This approach also gives insights into the physics of wave propagation, through the use of simplified models. We have developed a new python framework called Maestro. It is designed to orchestrate the ray tracing simulations, making them easier to setup, run, and analyze once complete. Maestro ray tracing results will be shown for whistler waves in simplified plasma geometries, illustrating the physics of whistler propagation, ionospheric ducting of VLF waves, and magnetospheric reflection. Results will also be shown for rays propagated in a more realistic ionospheric model, as computed by the SAMI2/3 code.

This research is supported by the DARPA Defense Science Office