Small-scale plasma irregularities produced during electron attachment chemical releases

In situ measurements of small-scale plasma density irregularities made during sounding rocket experiments that released electron attachment materials into the ionosphere are presented. A 2D electrostatic simulation model that includes attachment chemistry is used to study the source and evolution of these irregularities. The simulation shows (1) that large electron flow velocity shears develop on the boundary of the electron depletion and (2) these shears drive a plasma instability that is the likely source of the irregularities.