Fractional concentration of hydrogen ions in the ionosphere from VLF proton whistler measurement

摘要: The derivation and the accuracy of an expression relating fractional concentration H+, α1 = n(H+)/ne, to crossover frequency ω12 for a VLF proton whistler are discussed. To ±3½% it is found that (264/255) (1 - Λ122), where Λ12 ω12/Ω1 Ω1 gyrofrequency. Values have been deduced from measurement spectrograms some satellite Injun 3 data plotted against altitude (400–2600 km) invariant latitude (20°–63°) summer daytime winter nighttime 1963. H+ be higher than at all altitudes latitudes; ratio was approximately 3:1 1000 km. At km value dropped 0.43 in 20°–30° range 0.27 40°–45° daytime. For nearly constant 0.82 30° 50° latitude, but 0.75 50°–63° range. Near 2400 daytime, drops 0.65 46° 0.20 56° latitude. This same tendency observed nighttime, apparently being due auroral-zone heating. These observations consistent with assumption heavier ions tend predominate increasing given altitude. Comparison these results made reasonably good agreement rocket ion mass spectrometer NASA 8.23 Alouette 1 lower hybrid resonance frequency. general establishes radio technique as independent method determining concentrations ionosphere. equations uniquely O+, He+, observation critical frequencies (crossovers, resonances, cutoffs) presence presented, their usage