Narrowband stimulated electromagnetic emissions (SEE) spectra: A new ionospheric diagnostic technique

Use of high frequency (HF) heating experiments has been extended in recent years as a useful methodology for plasma physicists wishing to remotely study the properties and behavior of the ionosphere as well as nonlinear plasma processes. Our recent work using high latitude heating experiments has lead to several important discoveries that have enabled assessment of active geomagnetic conditions, determination of minor ion species and their densities, ion mass spectrometry, electron temperature measurements in the heating ionosphere, as well a deeper understanding of physical processes associated with electron acceleration and formation of field aligned irregularities. All of these diagnostic capabilities have been made possible for the first time by utilizing the narrowband Stimulated Electromagnetic Emission SEE spectrum. Narrowband SEE spectra from the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) facility are presented with theoretical models to demonstrate these new capabilities along with other supporting diagnostic measurements including, range-time-intensity of FAIs (field aligned irregularities) using SuperDARN HF radar, enhanced ion lines detected by MUIR radar, DMSP satellite observations over HAARP, and coordinated observations of pump induced optical emissions.