HR: 1330h
AN: SA12B-1106    [PDF]
TI: Next Generation Plasma Impedance Probe Instrumentation Technique
AU: * Carlson, C G
EM: chad.carlson@sdl.usu.edu
AF: Utah State University, 4120 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322 United States
AU: Swenson, C M
EM: charles.swenson@ece.usu.edu
AF: Utah State University, 4120 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322 United States
AU: Fish, C
EM: chad.fish@sdl.usu.edu
AF: Space Dynamics Laboratory, 1695 N. Research Park Way, North Logan, UT 84341 United States
AB: Four Utah State University Plasma Impedance Probes (PIP) were part of NASA's Sequential Rocket Study of Descending Layers in the E-Region (E-Winds). The payloads were launched at 11:19 pm, 1:41 am, 2:50 am and 3:07 am on June 30 and July 1, 2003 from Wallops Island, Virginia into the nighttime D and E-regions. The PIP is a suite of instruments for observing relative and absolute electron densities, magnetic field strength, and electron-neutral collision frequency. The suite consists of a Plasma Frequency Probe, a Swept Impedance Probe, a Q probe, an experimental Ion Impedance probe, and a DC Langmuir probe. The first four instrument diagnostics are based on the impedance characteristics of an antenna immersed in plasma. Resonance effects at low frequencies (1-100 kHz) where ion dynamics become important were observed by the Ion Impedance Probe. This data set may lead to the first mid-latitude measurements of ion-neutral collision frequency and full conductivity measurements of the ionosphere. Preliminary analysis of flight data shows a considerable amount of sensitivity in all of the instruments that should allow for absolute electron density measurement in the 1 to 10 per cc range and comparable accuracy in electron neutral collision frequency. This paper presents the instrumentation techniques, calibrations and initial results for this flight.
DE: 2437 Ionospheric dynamics
DE: 2443 Midlatitude ionosphere
DE: 2467 Plasma temperature and density
DE: 2494 Instruments and techniques
SC: SPA - Aeronomy [SA]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting