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Electron energy and electric field estimates in sprites derived from ionized and neutral N 2 emissions
Author(s) -
Morrill J.,
Bucsela E.,
Siefring C.,
Heavner M.,
Berg S.,
Moudry D.,
Slinker S.,
Fernsler R.,
Wescott E.,
Sentman D.,
Osborne D.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2001gl014018
Subject(s) - sprite (computer graphics) , ionization , electric field , atomic physics , physics , excitation , ion , electron , electron ionization , plasma , quantum mechanics , computer science , computer vision
During the EXL98 aircraft mission, sprites and blue jets were observed by narrow band cameras that measure the N 2 + 1NG (0,1) band at 4278Å and the N 2 2PG (0,0) band at 3370Å. We discuss the observations (∼1km resolution), instrumental and atmospheric corrections, and altitude profiles of ionized (1NG) and neutral (2PG) emission observed during a specific sprite. The ratio of ionized‐to‐neutral emission indicates a relative enhancement of ion emission below 55km. Characteristic electron energies ( E Ch ) and electric fields ( E ) are derived from these emission ratios using excitation rates computed from a model that solves the Boltzmann equation as a function of electric field. Up to 55km E follows the breakdown field ( E k ) and E Ch is ∼2.2eV. Above 55km E drops below E k and E Ch drops to ∼1.75eV near 60km.