Numerical study of heavy ion effects on electromagnetic ion cyclotron wave propagation
Abstract
Since electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves are believed to play an important role in the acceleration of inner magnetosphere particles, understanding global structure of EMIC waves and the effects of heavy ions on these waves are also important for understanding wave particle interaction in the magnetosphere. In this presentation, we numerically explore the dependence of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves on plasma conditions, particularly heavy ion density, using a two-dimensional full-wave code. We focus on linearly polarized EMIC waves that are suggested to be generated via mode conversion near the ion-ion hybrid (IIH) resonance. When electron inertial effect is considered near the mode conversion area, IIH waves propagate across the magnetic field line and is called the electron inertial wave. Similar to the inertial Alfvén waves, such short wavelength waves can interact with both electrons and ions. Previous one-dimensional full-wave simulations predicted that the maximum mode conversion occurs when the incoming wave frequency is very close to the crossover frequency and the wave normal angle at the mode conversion location are 50-70 degrees. We show global structure of the mode-converted EMIC waves and particularly examine heavy ion effects on the wave normal angle and electron inertial wave behavior. The results will be compared with previous 1D full-wave simulations and observations.
- Publication:
-
43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E1155K