Electron Phase-Space Holes in the Auroral Ionosphere and Magnetosphere: Simulations and Theory

Trustees Of Boston University, Boston

Investigators

Abstract

The Fast Auroral SnapshoT (FAST) satellite has shown that one of the most energetic wave phenomena in the ionosphere and magnetosphere are structures characterized by holes in the phase-space density of electrons. This project will utilize a new three-dimensional kinetic particle simulation code to investigate the fundamental physics of these phase space holes. Five major questions will be investigated: (1) What are the conditions under which these holes are formed, (2) why do simulations indicate that the structures are unstable and what is the implication of this result to the FAST satellite measurements, (3) how do the holes generate whistler waves, (4) how do the electron holes interact with the ions, and (5) what role (if any) do these holes play in the large scale electrodynamics of the auroral electrojet.