Next Generation Plasma Frequency Probe Instrumentation Technique

Abstract

The fundamental parameter for the Earth\u27s ionosphere, a space plasma, is its density. This density can be determined in-situ from its resonant frequency properties, which can be stimulated by an antenna operating at RF frequencies immersed in the plasma. The resonant conditions are observed through the antenna\u27s impedance characteristics. Innovations in the Utah State University plasma impedance probe, an instrument used for making these measurements are discussed. An improved control theory model of the instrument is derived and analyzed for a variety of ionospheric conditions. Calibration measurements are compared with theoretical results