Backward wave cyclotron-maser emission in the auroral magnetosphere
Abstract
In this Letter, we present theory and particle-in-cell simulations describing cyclotron radio emission from Earth's auroral region and similar phenomena in other astrophysical environments. In particular, we find that the radiation, generated by a down-going electron horseshoe distribution is due to a backward wave cyclotron-maser emission process. The backward wave nature of the radiation contributes to upward refraction of the radiation that is also enhanced by a density inhomogeneity. We also show that the radiation is preferentially amplified along the auroral oval rather than transversely. The results are in agreement with recent Cluster observations.
Citation
Speirs , D C , Bingham , R , Cairns , R A , Vorgul , I , Kellett , B J , Phelps , A D R & Ronald , K 2014 , ' Backward wave cyclotron-maser emission in the auroral magnetosphere ' , Physical Review Letters , vol. 113 , no. 15 , 155002 . https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.155002
Publication
Physical Review Letters
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
0031-9007Type
Journal article
Description
This work was supported by EPSRC Grant No. EP/G04239X/1.Collections
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