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TRAPPING AND LIFETIME OF CHARGED PARTICLES IN THE GEOMAGNETIC FIELD

Author
Christofilos, N. C.
Published
United States : [publisher not identified], 1958.
[Oak Ridge, Tennessee] : [U.S. Atomic Energy Commission], 1958.
Physical Description
microopaque : positive ; 8 x 13 cm

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Summary
Trapping of charged particles, especially fast electrons, within the geomagnetic field was examined. Since the lines of the geomagnetic field converge towards the earth, they act as magnetic mirrors in which fast electrons can oscillate back and forth. If the reflection points are in the upper atmosphere the electrons are scattered by the air molecules. Since the atmospheric density decreases exponeatially outwards, this scattering occurs more or less near the mirror points. Due to this scattering process the mirror points move downwards. In a steady state, where particles are injected at constant rate, the density of the electrons below the altitude of injection varies inversely proportional to the air density. Lifetimes of several days to several years are possible depending on the location of the mirror points. Relativistic electrons might be artificially injected by a satellite carrying a low-current electron accelerator. Such a controlled experiment can be used to probe the extent of thc region of closed magnetic lines of the earth's field near the poles and thus probe the extent of the closed line region on the equatorial plane. Also, the atmospheric density can be measured is well as the density of the solar corona or other interplanetary gas enveloping the earth. (auth)
Report Numbers
UCRL-5407
Other Subject(s)
Collection
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission depository collection.
Note
DOE contract number: W-7405-ENG-48
NSA number: NSA-13-003996
OSTI Identifier 4283748
Research organization: California. Univ., Livermore. Radiation Lab.
View MARC record | catkey: 42517878