3D imaging of polar cap patches with radio and optical measurements

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We have conducted three dimensional observations of ionospheric phenomena in the polar cap region (polar cap patches and polar cap auroral arcs) by combining a highly-sensitive all-sky airglow imager and phased-array incoherent scatter radar system at Resolute Bay, Canada. Through the analysis of the campaign measurements, we have obtained various interesting results on the dynamical variations of the polar cap ionospheric phenomena. Outstanding results are (1) global-scale imaging of polar cap patches showing the spatial extent of patches, (2) spatial distribution of plasma irregularities in the vicinity of polar cap patches, and (3) three dimensional visualization of the electrodynamic structure behind polar cap aurora. These results are of particular importance for understanding and predicting the possible impact of the polar cap ionospheric phenomena on the trans-ionospheric satellite communication environment.