Table 4B.2. Experimental Studies of the Physics of Ionospheric Heating Title of Effort Obj ective Benefit to SPS Experimental Studies of Self-Focusing Instabilities Conduct an extensive program of experimental study of thermal self-focusing of electromagnetic waves in the ionosphere Will provide direction and support to theoretical studies. Will provide information concerning the potential for SPS creation of irregularities due to self-focusing. Experimental Studies of Electron Heating Conduct an experimental program to assess importance of electron thermal runaway and the potential for parametric instabilities under conditions of simulated SPS operations. Will provide information to support thermal runaway theory work and will provide information needed to assess pilot beam effects. Experimental Studies of Parametric Instabilities and Short-Scale Striations. Conduct an extensive experimental program of field-aligned plasma striations in conjunction with the experimental program devoted to thermal self-focusing. Satellite measurements of irregularities will be studied in conjunction with active experiments. Will provide information needed in order to assess the probability of SPS production of plasma striations that would scatter EM waves in telecommunication systems. A-l Absorption Measurements for frequencies reflected from the F-region. Determine the fraction of heater power that penetrates the E- region to heat the F-region. Will provide information needed in the design of heaters to simulate SPS heating in the F-region. Partial Reflection Experiments Determine the spectrum of heated D-region ionization as a function of altitude Will provide information on the existence of thermal runaway and its potential impact on D- and E-region. A-l Absorption Measurements for frequencies reflected from the E-region Determine heater effects on E-region collision frequency Will provide information on the probability of thermal runaway in the E-region.
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