The Response Time of the Lower Ionosphere to a Pulse of Ionization.

Robert LeLevier

ResearchPublished 1962

A discussion of the recovery time of ionization in the low ionosphere (60- to 100-km altitude). It is known that both the local air chemistry and the level of ambient ionization affect the lifetime of free electrons in the ionosphere. The model for the air chemistry used assumes a standard air mixture for which the superoxide ion is the dominant negative ion. Day and night environments are considered. To illustrate, the recovery time of ionization produced by x-rays from a nuclear explosion is examined. The suggestion is made that an experiment using x-rays from a small-yield nuclear explosion in space could provide important knowledge of the characteristics of the ionosphere.

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Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1962
  • Pages: 44
  • Document Number: RM-3204-PR

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

LeLevier, Robert, The Response Time of the Lower Ionosphere to a Pulse of Ionization. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1962. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM3204.html.
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