A Theoretical Study of the Source and Properties of Auroral Radio Emissions Observed on the Ground

本研究将解决在极光带地面观测到的~5kHz至~5MHz频率范围无线电波的几个关键理论问题。首先，PI将把适当的电离层等离子体和低密度空腔模型纳入研究，以了解电磁波如何在现实的空腔和电离层等离子体模型中传播。然后，他将对与高能电子相关的各种物理属性进行详细的参数化研究，牢固地理解直接发射理论的一般特征。接下来，他将研究“间接发射理论”，该理论基于静电波在辐射源内部相互作用的概念，从而转化为自由空间电磁波。最后，他将计算与无线电波相关的各种物理量，包括可以直接与实验观察到的量进行比较的波强度和光谱模式。所有这些任务都将增强对极光带中波和粒子过程的基本理解。

This research will address several key theoretical issues related to ~5kHz to ~5MHz frequency-range radio waves observed on the ground in the auroral zone. First, the PI will incorporate proper models of the ionospheric plasma and low-density cavity into the study to understand how electromagnetic wave propagate in realistic models of cavity and ionospheric plasma. Then, he will conduct a detailed parametric study of various physical attributes associated with energetic electrons, establishing a firm understanding of the general characteristics of direct emission theory. Next, he will investigate the "indirect emission theory," based on the notion of electrostatic waves interacting among themselves inside the radiation source, thus converting to free space electromagnetic waves. Finally, he will calculate various physical quantities associated with radio waves, including the wave intensity and spectral pattern that can be directly compared with experimentally observed quantities. All of these tasks will enhance basic understanding of wave and particle processes in the auroral zones.