Controlled Whistler Mode Wave Injection Experiments with the HAARP facility

Whistler mode waves are known to play a decisive role in radiation belt dynamics and general space weather phenomena. It is currently understood that whistler waves are generated and amplified via cyclotron resonance interactions with energetic electrons. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms and required conditions for whistler mode waves to be generated spontaneously or triggered by other waves remain unresolved. Quantifying the generation processes is important since it directly impacts the frequency, amplitude, and presence of whistler mode wave power in the magnetosphere. Wave injection experiments allow for study of the generation process in a controlled experiment. The HAARP high frequency (HF) heater is currently the only available source of controlled Extremely Low Frequency and Very Low Frequency (ELF/VLF) waves available to scientists for magnetospheric wave injection.