Backward wave cyclotron-maser emission in the auroral magnetosphere

Speirs, D. C. and Bingham, R. and Cairns, R. A. and Vorgul, I. and Kellett, B. J. and Phelps, A. D R and Ronald, K. (2014) Backward wave cyclotron-maser emission in the auroral magnetosphere. Physical Review Letters, 113 (15). 155002. ISSN 0031-9007

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    Abstract

    In this Letter, we present theory and particle-in-cell simulations describing cyclotron radio emission from Earth's auroral region and similar phenomena in other astrophysical environments. In particular, we find that the radiation, generated by a down-going electron horseshoe distribution is due to a backward-wave cyclotron-maser emission process. The backward wave nature of the radiation contributes to upward refraction of the radiation that is also enhanced by a density inhomogeneity. We also show that the radiation is preferentially amplified along the auroral oval rather than transversely. The results are in agreement with recent Cluster observations.

    Author(s):Speirs, D. C. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5705-6126, Bingham, R. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9843-7635, Cairns, R. A., Vorgul, I., Kellett, B. J., Phelps, A. D R ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1100-1012 and Ronald, K. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8585-0746
    Item type:Article
    ID code:50172
    Keywords:backward waves, auroral magnetosophere, cyclotron maser emission, Physics, Physics and Astronomy(all)
    Subjects:Science > Physics
    Department:Faculty of Science > Physics
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:07 Nov 2014 09:39
    Last modified:08 Jan 2020 21:20
    Related URLs:
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/50172
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