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Transverse acceleration of oxygen ions by electromagnetic ion cyclotron resonance with broad band left-hand polarized wavesCentral plasma sheet (CPS) ion conics are oxygen-dominated, with peak energies ranging from tens to hundreds of eV centered around pitch-angles between 115 and 130 degrees. Because of the lack of correlation between the CPS conics and the observed currents and/or electron beam-like structures, it is not likely that all of these conics are generated by interactions with electrostatic ion cyclotron waves or lower hybrid waves. Instead, it is suggested that the observed intense broad band electric field fluctuations in the frequency range between 0 and 100 Hz can be responsible for the transverse energization of the ions through cyclotron resonance heating with the left-hand polarized electromagnetic waves. This process is much more efficient for heating the oxygen ions than hydrogen ions, thus providing a plausible explanation of the oxygen dominance in CPS conics. Simple algebraic expressions are given from which estimates of conic energy and pitch angle can be easily calculated. This suggested mechanism can also provide some preheating of the oxygen ions in the boundary plasma sheet (BPS) where discrete aurorae form.
Document ID
19860061849
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Chang, T.
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Crew, G. B.
(MIT Cambridge, MA, United States)
Hershkowitz, N.
(Wisconsin, University Madison, United States)
Jasperse, J. R.
(USAF, Geophysics Laboratory, Bedford MA, United States)
Retterer, J. M.
(Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 13
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Geophysics
Report/Patent Number
AD-A174882
AFGL-TR-86-0253
Accession Number
86A46587
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-28712
CONTRACT_GRANT: F19628-86-K-0005
CONTRACT_GRANT: F19628-83-C-0060
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-28710
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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