Sweeping Impedance Probe new techniques for ionospheric plasma diagnostics

Abstract

The impedance of a probe immersed in ionospheric plasma at radio frequencies is an important technique for determining absolute electron density. Building on 50 years of history in developing and flying RF probes for plasma diagnostics at Utah State, a new SIP (Sweeping Impedance Probe) design has been completed which will obtain qualitative improvement over previous instruments in terms of accuracy and sweep rate. The new technique is based on sequential measurements to improve the error correction, and requiring simple components by using DC as intermediate frequency. This instrument will provide a continuous measurement of the plasma impedance magnitude and phase with an expected accuracy of 1% and 1 degree respectively over the 1 to 20 MHz range.