Control of whistler radiation efficiency of a loop antenna by generation of ambient magnetic field irregularities

Abstract

Electrodynamic means for the control of loop antenna radiation efficiency in plasma is proposed, which can be used in the whistler frequency band. The method is based on the generation, without perturbing the plasma density, of localized ambient magnetic field irregularities in the vicinity of the antenna. In order to produce such irregularities, it is suggested to feed the antenna with additional dc current along with the rf current. Experiments performed in a large laboratory magnetoplasma showed that the generation of localized magnetic field enhancements provides the possibility of increasing the amplitude of the whistlers emitted by the loop antenna. Moreover, experiments have shown that the amplification of the whistlers’ signals from the receiving loop antenna fed with additional dc current is observed when a static magnetic field enhancement is generated in the vicinity of the receiver. The experimental data are in good agreement with the theoretical results obtained for comparatively weak ambient magnetic field perturbations.