Kinetic theory of the current sheath. II. Effect of polarization on the stability of a current sheath

A procedure for investigating the stability of a current sheath, taking into account the effect of plasma polarization, is offered. The kinetic equation with a self-consistent electromagnetic field for perturbation of the distribution function is solved. On the basis of this solution, the tensor of dielectric permeability for a non-electroneutral current sheath plasma is calculated, and the dispersion equation for the study of possible instability modes of this current sheath is obtained. The instability of the current sheath of the magnetospheric tail with respect to tearing perturbations, and the influence of the effect of plasma polarization on the development of tearing instability, are investigated.     

Kinetic theory of sheath formation in solar wind plasma

We present a general self-consistent kinetic theory for plasma sheath formation in solar wind plasma. The theory could be applied to anisotropic, as well as to isotropic collisionless plasma without resorting to any simplifications, limitations, or assumptions, such as the necessary existence of a ‘pre-sheath’ region of ions acceleration to ensure the Bohm criterion. The kinetic framework is first applied to sheath formation around an arbitrary oriented planar absorbing surface, charged by solar wind anisotropic plasma, under the condition of negligible photoelectric effect. We then make use of our kinetic approach for the plane geometry in isotropic collisionless plasma, as a particular case of a planar electrode orientation parallel to plasma streaming velocity, also analyzing the sheath structure around spherical and cylindrical absorbing electrodes submerged in isotropic collisionless plasma. Obtained results demonstrate principal differences in spatial charge distributions in sheath regions between spherical or cylindrical electrodes of large size and an unbound planar surface submerged in isotropic plasma. In the case of a planar electrode, we directly compare results obtained in our kinetic and hydrodynamic theories and conventional hydrodynamic theory of plasma sheath formation. The outcome from the present study have direct implications to the analysis of plasma sheath structure and associated distribution in space of charged dust grains, which is relevant to the moon exploration near the optical terminator region or in shadowed craters in the moon.     

Laboratory investigation of physical mechanisms of auroral charged particle acceleration in the field-aligned current layers

One of the major topics of space weather research is to understand auroral structure and the processes that guide, accelerate, and otherwise control particle precipitation and during substorms. The problem is that it is not clear the structure of the magnetic field-aligned electric fields and how they are supported in the magnetospheric plasma. The objective of this research is to study the physical mechanisms of these phenomena in a laboratory experiment. It should be achieved by simulating the charged particle acceleration due to field-aligned electrical field generation in all totality of the interconnected events: generation of a plasma flow, its evolution in the magnetic field, polarization of plasma, generation of the field-aligned currents, development of instabilities in the plasma and current layers, double layers or anomalous resistance regions appearance, electron acceleration. Parameters of the laboratory simulation and preliminary results of the experiment are discussed.     

等离子体鞘层效应对磁层探测电场仪设计的影响

在空间环境探测中，卫星与等离子体的相互作用会改变背景环境的粒子和电位的分布，从而影响探测器对空间电场的测量.为了给磁层卫星电场探测仪器的研制和设计提供参考，本文以中国未来的磁层电离层探测为背景，针对不同轨道高度的等离子体环境，利用SPIS（Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Software）模拟了卫星平台和探针与等离子体的相互作用，从而得到了不同环境下卫星周围等离子体鞘层的厚度，以及探针电位与电流的对应关系.模拟结果表明:由于光电子和二次电子的影响，卫星鞘层的厚度小于等离子体的德拜半径，且温度越高其偏差越大；模拟得到的探针表面电流与电位的关系表明，施加偏置电流的探针可明显提高对电流扰动的抗干扰能力.此外，估计了不同轨道高度上探针处于最佳工作点时应施加偏置电流的大小.      

On high-altitude electric fields in the auroral downward current region and their coupling to ionospheric electric fields

The downward field-aligned current region plays an active role in magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling processes associated with aurora. A quasi-static electric field structure with a downward parallel electric field forms at altitudes between 800 km and 5000 km, accelerating ionospheric electrons upward, away from the auroral ionosphere. Other phenomena including energetic ion conics, electron solitary waves, low-frequency wave activity, and plasma density cavities occur in this region, which also acts as a source region for VLF saucers. Results are presented from high-altitude Cluster observations with particular emphasis on the characteristics and dynamics of quasi-static electric field structures. These, extending up to altitudes of at least 4–5 Earth radii, appear commonly as monopolar or bipolar electric fields. The former occur at sharp boundaries, such as the polar cap boundary whereas the bipolar fields occur at softer boundaries within the plasma sheet. The temporal evolution of quasi-static electric field structures, as captured by the pearls-on-a-string configuration of the Cluster spacecraft, indicates that the formation of electric field structures and of ionospheric plasma density cavities are closely coupled processes. A related feature of the downward current is a broadening of the current sheet with time, possibly related to the depletion process. Preliminary studies of the coupling of electric fields in the downward current region, show that small-scale structures are typically decoupled from the ionosphere, similar to what has been found for the upward current region. However, exceptions are also found where small-scale electric fields couple perfectly between the ionosphere and Cluster altitudes. Recent FAST results indicate that the degree of coupling differs between sheet-like and curved structures, and that it is typically partial. The electric field coupling further depends on the current–voltage relationship, which is highly non-linear in the downward current region, and still unrevealed, as to its specific form.     

Distribution of electric current in solar plasma loops

The distributing profile of electric current in solar plasma loop is a key factor for the MHD instabilities of the loops. However, it is very difficult to measure such profile in single loop. In this paper, we assume that, in spite of the complexity of the structure in most of the sunspots, the distribution of the electric current in some small simple sunspots may reflect the main feature of the distribution in solar plasma loops. We utilize the high-cadence, high-resolution vector magnetograms observed by Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) to derive the longitudinal electric current and analyze the distribution of the longitudinal electric current in the region of sunspots, and simulate the distributing features of the solar plasma loops. From these analysis, we find that the electric current in some small simple sunspots, or to say in plasma loops, are concentrated to their center. Such distribution feature is consistent with the theory of pinch effect in current-carrying plasma loops.     

等离子体鞘套对C波段通信信号传输影响的试验

飞行器在稠密大气层超音速飞行时,由于其周围形成等离子体鞘套对通信信号的屏蔽或能量大幅度衰减效应,可使飞行器与地面间通信产生中断.以等离子体鞘套对通信信号透射相位改变和能量吸收为基本出发点,以高温激波管试验装置产生的、生存时间为几百微秒量级的等离子体鞘套为研究对象,利用四进制相移键控（QPSK,Quaternary Phase Shift Keying）调制、载波频率为7.5GHz的信号生成与测量系统获取有无等离子体鞘套时信号相位特征、眼图特征、图像传输等的对比试验结果,利用矢量网络分析系统E8362B获取了有无等离子体鞘套时透射能量衰减对比试验结果.试验结果不仅进一步证明了等离子体鞘套对通信信号能量大幅度衰减将不同程度影响飞行器与地面的正常通信;同时表明等离子体鞘套能够使QPSK信号相位特征产生改变,从而在信号解调解码后眼图特征产生严重畸变,通信系统误码率P_e 大大提高,最终导致接收端无法复现发送端发送的原始信息.     

Outstanding issues in understanding the dynamics of the inner plasma sheet and ring current during storms and substorms

The paper deals with five selected issues of the dynamical coupling of the near-Earth plasma sheet and magnetosphere, (1) substorm initiation, (2) dipolarization, (3) pressure release of the outer magnetosphere via the auroral energy conversion process, (4) magnetization of the very high beta plasma assembling at the inner edge of the tail, and (5) penetration of energetic particles into the ring current below L 4. One outstanding and strongly debated subject is not discussed here, the origin of the substorm current wedge. The main conclusions (or personal preferences) are: (1) the substorm is initiated by formation of a near-Earth neutral line; (2) dipolarization occurs through magnetic flux transport by the earthward reconnection flow and not by current diffusion; (3) the auroral energy conversion process, the “auroral pressure valve”, contributes substantially to the pressure release during the substorms; (4) high beta ( 10) plasma breaks up into smaller scale blobs under slow magnetization; and (5) deep and prolonged penetration of hot plasma sheet plasma into the middle magnetosphere produces currents and electric fields which lead to the growth of the storm-time ring current.     

基于传输矩阵法的等离子体鞘套传输特性分析

引入分层模型传输矩阵法,分析高速临近空间飞行器等离子体鞘套传输特性.通过对典型飞行器模型进行纳维-斯托克斯方程组数值求解,仿真了等离子体鞘套的流场电子密度分布,分析了电磁波在等离子体鞘套内传输时的衰减常数,给出信号传输的反射系数和透射系数.基于传输矩阵法的仿真结果与理论分析结果和时域有限差分法仿真分析结果有良好的一致性,同时,该方法有效降低了计算复杂度,适用于任意电子密度分布和厚度的等离子体鞘套传输特性的数值求解.      

Do ring current ions set the outer plasmasphere in motion?

GEOS-2 experiments have observed on a regular basis the transition from teh plasmasphere to the trough revealing a more tenuous and energetic population. This transition occured typically between 18 and 21 h local time under quiet geomagnetic conditions. On the plasmasphere side of the transition, large electric fields of several mV/m, mainly in the duskward direction, were observed. The present statistical results, over one year of data, assess clearly the mean magnitude and direction of these electric fields in relation to the boundary between these two plasma regimes under quiet geomagnetic conditions. The possibility of ring current energetic ions loosing part of their energy to the plasmasphere and accelerating this plasma sunward will be discussed.     

Variations of quasi-electrostatic fields and ionosphere potential above lightning discharge at equatorial latitudes

Lightning discharges by thunderstorms cause generation of electromagnetic pulses and of quasi-electrostatic fields (QESF) in the atmosphere above, which occur in different time-scales. QESF penetrate into the mesosphere and the lower ionosphere where they are big enough to generate considerable electric charge transfer there and, in some cases, to cause red sprites. These processes may have an important contribution to the global atmospheric electric circuit. Significant transient variations of the ionospheric potential above the thunderstorm take place as well. QESF depend on the atmospheric conductivity and in the ionosphere they are affected also by its anisotropy determined by geomagnetic field orientation. QESF after a lightning discharge are investigated theoretically in this work in the case of equatorial latitudes (by horizontal geomagnetic field), where thunderstorms are important contributors to the global circuit. Results for DC electric fields in the lower equatorial ionosphere above a thundercloud obtained by earlier models demonstrate some specific features of the spatial distribution of these fields, which appear due to geomagnetic field orientation. Thus, the electric fields can be shifted by tens or more kilometers to east of the cloud charge region; also their horizontal scale is much bigger than in the case of middle latitudes. Here, a presence of similar specific features of quasi-electrostatic field distributions and ionospheric potential variations caused by a lightning stroke is studied. A situation when no secondary ionization is generated is considered. A model based on the Maxwell equations for potential electric fields is proposed. Computations of QESF in the middle atmosphere and of the ionospheric potential variations are provided as dependent on conductivity and its anisotropy in D-region. The obtained results for the ionosphere show that the electric fields in the equatorial lower ionosphere are comparable to these formed in the case of middle latitudes. However, their horizontal scales are much bigger and depend on conductivity profiles. Similar features are valid also for the ionospheric potential variations and for their horizontal scales.     

Formation of Saturn's spokes

The scattering properties of the spokes in Saturn's rings suggest that they consist of micron-sized dust particles. We suggest that these grains are elevated above the ring plane by electrostatic charging. We show that electrostatic levitation requires a sufficiently large plasma density near the rings. If the plasma density near the rings exceeds a few 10² cm^?3 levitation may occur at significant rates in the strong electric fields which exist in the wall-sheaths at the ring. Once the dust particles are elevated they drift relative to the plasma (except at synchronous orbit). This relative motion constitutes a current which causes a polarization electric field if the plasma is azimuthally inhomogeneous. The dense plasma will drift radially in response to this electric field and cause levitation of more dust particles as it moves along. It leaves a radially aligned trail of elevated dust particles—the spokes. One way of producing dense plasma is by meteor impact on the rings. We discuss the mechanisms of ring charging, electrostatic levitation and the currents in the plasma-dust mixture. We show that for reasonable conditions spokes of more than 10,000 km radial length can be formed in less than five minutes. We also show that under the same conditions the electrostatic levitation model predicts a dust grain population which peaks at a size of 0.6 microns and can reach optical depths of 0.1.     

用数值模拟的方法研究磁暴主相期间影响环电流分布特征的要素

环电流是距离地心2～7 Re的带电粒子围绕地球西向漂移形成的.环电流的增强将引起全球磁场的降低,反映了地磁暴的强度.磁暴主相期间,对流电场驱动等离子体片中的能量粒子经历E×B漂移与俘获注入环电流,进入损失锥的粒子沉降到大气中.本文采用磁暴主相期间环电流离子分布的模型,结合上述因素研究不同离子能量下对流电场对环电流离子通量的直接影响,以及强弱对流电场下环电流能量离子投掷角的变化,并从物理上阐述造成此种通量分布特性的原因.      

Kink-like mode of a double gradient instability in a compressible plasma current sheet

A linear MHD instability of the electric current sheet, characterized by a small normal magnetic field component, varying along the sheet, is investigated. The tangential magnetic field component is modeled by a hyperbolic function, describing Harris-like variations of the field across the sheet. For this problem, which is formulated in a 3D domain, the conventional compressible ideal MHD equations are applied. By assuming Fourier harmonics along the electric current, the linearized 3D equations are reduced to 2D ones. A finite difference numerical scheme is applied to examine the time evolution of small initial perturbations of the plasma parameters. This work is an extended numerical study of the so called “double gradient instability”, – a possible candidate for the explanation of flapping oscillations in the magnetotail current sheet, which has been analyzed previously in the framework of a simplified analytical approach for an incompressible plasma. The dispersion curve is obtained for the kink-like mode of the instability. It is shown that this curve demonstrates a quantitative agreement with the previous analytical result. The development of the instability is investigated also for various enhanced values of the normal magnetic field component. It is found that the characteristic values of the growth rate of the instability shows a linear dependence on the square root of the parameter, which scales uniformly the normal component of the magnetic field in the current sheet.     

Study of VLF wave with relativistic effect in Saturn magnetosphere in the presence of parallel A.C. electric field

Cassini radio and plasma wave surveys aim to study radio emissions, plasma waves, thermal plasma and dust near Saturn. Using the characteristic solution and dynamics method, the influence of electron beam on the loss cone and bi-Maxwellian distribution of whistler mode waves in the parallel alternating electric field and magnetic field is studied. The dispersion relation and the growth rate of Saturn's magnetic layer were deduced and calculated in detail. Parameter analysis is performed by changing the parameters of the plasma like number density, AC frequency, temperature anisotropy, etc. The influence of AC frequency on Doppler shift and the comparative study of growth rate of oblique and parallel propagating waves are analyzed using generalized distribution function. We found temperature anisotropy ${\text{A}}_{\text{T}}=1.25$ can explain the linear spatiotemporal growth rate of whistler mode waves. It provides the majority of the observed frequency integral power. It can be seen that the effective parameters for the generation of Whistler mode waves are not only temperature anisotropy, but also the relativistic factors discussed in the results and discussion section, and the AC field frequency and width of the loss cone distribution function.     

The importance of conductivity gradients in ground-based field-aligned current studies

Magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling is achieved primarily through magnetic field-aligned currents. Such currents are difficult to measure directly and are usually inferred from satellite magnetometer recordings or from ground-based measurements of the divergence of ionospheric electric fields. The latter technique requires a knowledge of the ionospheric conductance distribution. Although it is possible to obtain the ionospheric electric field distribution over large spatial areas with good temporal resolution from coherent backscatter radars, these instruments cannot measure conductivity. Since the equation for computing field-aligned currents explicitly requires the gradient in conductance to be known, the use of statistically averaged models is excluded for case studies. If a dense enough array of magnetometers is available, these data may be used in combination with radar data to produce a measured conductance distribution within the overlapping fields of view. This has been done for data obtained in northern Scandinavia. Comparing field-aligned currents, computed with and without knowing the ionospheric conductance distribution, shows that gradients in conductance can not be ignored, even for quiet geomagnetic conditions.     

电离层电场对环电流变化响应的时延

本文讨论了强磁暴期间磁层环电流能量变化率与电离层电场变化之间的联系.STARE和SABRE雷达资料表明,电离层对环电流变化响应的主要特点是:(1)在磁地方时午后区,响应的时延达最大(约1—2小时),场强以指数形式增加;在其它时区内,无系统的增强过程,仅观测到较大的、有明显涨落的电场值.(2)STARE(70.2°N)和SABRE(65.8°N)测到的电场变化往往具有相反的趋势.(3)在STARE视场内,环电流能量变化达极大后,较低纬(70.2°N)上的电场值经常大于较高纬(71.8°N)上的值.分析结果表明,磁暴期间磁层-电离层耦合过程中,环电流起着重要作用.      

Tearing,coalescence and fragmentation processes in solar flare current sheet and drifting pulsating structures

The paper presents a summary of results from two different simulations which study the tearing, coalescence and fragmentation of current sheets, the associated production of energetic electrons and of plasma waves from these electrons which could explain drifting pulsation structures observed at radio wavelengths. Using a 2.5-D particle-in-cell (PIC) model of the current sheet it is shown that due to the tearing mode instability the current sheet tears into plasmoids and these plasmoids later on coalesce into larger ones. During these processes electrons are accelerated and they produce observable electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, the 3-D PIC model with two current sheets extended in the electric current direction shows their fast fragmentation associated with the exponential dissipation of the free magnetic field energy. An example of the drifting pulsating structure which is considered to be a radio signature of the above mentioned processes in solar flares is shown.     

Equatorial ionosphere–thermosphere system: Electrodynamics and irregularities

The equatorial ionosphere and thermosphere constitute a coupled system, with its electro dynamical and plasma physical processes being responsible for a variety of ionospheric phenomena peculiar to the equatorial region. The most important of these phenomena are: the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) current system and its instabilities, the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA), and the plasma instabilities/irregularities of the night ionosphere (associated with the plasma bubble events – ESF). They constitute the major topics of investigations having both scientific and practical objectives. The tidal wind interaction with the geomagnetic field is responsible for the atmospheric dynamo electric fields, that together with the wind system, drives the major phenomena, under quiet conditions. Drastic modifications of these phenomena can occur due to magnetospheric forcing under solar-, interplanetary- and magnetospheric disturbances. They can also undergo significant modifications due to forcing by atmospheric waves (such as planetary- and atmospheric gravity waves) propagating upward or from extra tropics. This article will focus on the ambient conditions of the ionosphere–thermosphere system and the electro dynamics and plasma instability processes that govern the plasma irregularity generation. Major emphasis is given to problems related to the structuring of the equatorial night ionosphere through plasma bubble/ESF irregularity processes. Specific topics to be covered will include: equatorial electric fields, thermospheric winds, sunset electrodynamic processes, plasma drifts, EEJ plasma instability/irregularity generation, nighttime/post sunset plasma bubble irregularity generation, and very briefly, disturbance electric fields and winds and their effect on the ionization anomaly, the TEC and ESF/plasma bubble irregularities.     

Controlling factors of Region 2 field-aligned current and its relationship to the ring current: Model results

One essential component of magnetosphere and ionosphere coupling is the closure of the ring current through Region 2 field-aligned current (FAC). Using the Comprehensive Ring Current Model (CRCM), which includes magnetosphere and ionosphere coupling by solving the kinetic equation of ring current particles and the closure of the electric currents between the two regions, we have investigated the effects of high latitude potential, ionospheric conductivity, plasma sheet density and different magnetic field models on the development of Region 2 field-aligned currents, and the relationship between R2 FACs and the ring current. It is shown that an increase in high latitude potential, ionospheric conductivity or plasma sheet density generally results in an increase in Region 2 FACs’ intensity, but R2 FACs display different local time and latitudinal distributions for changes in each parameter due to the different mechanisms involved. Our simulation results show that the magnetic field configuration of the inner magnetosphere is also an important factor in the development of Region 2 field-aligned current. More numerical experiments and observational results are needed in further our understanding of the complex relationship of the two current systems.