EDI electron time-of-flight measurements on Equator-S

G. Paschmann (1) , N. Sckopke (1) , H. Vaith (1) , J. M. Quinn (2) , O. H. Bauer (1) , W. Baumjohann (1) , W. Fillius (3) , G. Haerendel (1) , S. S. Kerr (3) , C. A. Kletzing (4) , K. Lynch (2) , C. E. Mcilwain (3) , R. B. Torbert (2) , E. C. Whipple (5)

1 MPE - Max-Planck-Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik
2 UNH - University of New Hampshire
3 UC San Diego - University of California [San Diego]
4 University of Iowa [Iowa City]
5 University of Washington [Seattle]

We present the first electron time-of-flight measurements obtained with the Electron Drift Instrument (EDI) on Equator-S. These measurements are made possible by amplitude-modulation and coding of the emitted electron beams and correlation with the signal from the returning electrons. The purpose of the time-of-flight measurements is twofold. First, they provide the drift velocity, and thus the electric field, when the distance the electrons drift in a gyro period becomes sufficiently large. Second, they provide the gyro time of the electrons emitted by the instrument, and thus the magnitude of the ambient magnetic field, allowing in-flight calibration of the flux-gate magnetometer with high precision. Results of both applications are discussed.

Domaines: Océan, Atmosphère; Sciences de la Terre

G. Paschmann, N. Sckopke, H. Vaith, J. M. Quinn, O. H. Bauer, et al.. EDI electron time-of-flight measurements on Equator-S. Annales Geophysicae, 1999, 17 (12), pp.1513-1520. ⟨hal-00316718⟩