Development of a Novel Magnetic Loop Antenna to Launch EMIC Plasma Waves from a Space Based Platform

Nonlinear wave particle interactions in the upper atmosphere at frequencies near the ion cyclotron frequency are an area of great interest because of the critical role they play in controlling the flux of radiation belt particles. One of the greatest challenges with investigating these phenomena is the injection of waves with significant power in the required frequency range (circa 100 Hz). Electric dipole based transmitters are obstructed by poor radiation resistance while operating so far from the resonant point of one-half wavelength. To overcome this restriction, space based electric dipole transmitters must be made prohibitively large. We are developing a novel, compact, low-power, magnetic loop antenna to launch electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves from a platform in low Earth orbit. Magnetic loop antennas can be augmented with magnetic core material which enhances the radiation resistance and improves the efficiency of the transmitter system. This allows greater wave power injection from a small, low-power, space based platform, enabling in situ investigations of nonlinear wave particle interactions in the upper atmosphere at EMIC frequencies with laboratory like precision and control.