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 1079-7114 (https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.155002)

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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.

ORCID iDs

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
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    7 October 2014
    Published
    12 September 2014
    Accepted
    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:22 May 2023 03:17
    Related URLs:
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/50172
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