Observation of VLF Whistler-Mode Waves Peculiar to the Radiation Belt Slot

摘要

VLF emissions between 3.9 and 10.4 kHz are observed at high altitudes in the slot region (L approximately 2.5 to 3.6) by a receiver aboard spacecraft OV1-14 (1968-26B). The maximum spectral intensities of 1.1 microgamma/(Hz to the 1/2 power) and 2.8 microvolt/(Hz to the 1/2 power) on the magnetic and electric antennas, respectively, occur in the 5.6-kHz channel. The waves can resonantly interact with energetic electrons above approximately 50 keV at L = 2.5, and the measured wave intensities are ample to account for the observed lifetimes of medium energy electrons in the slot region. (Author)