Laboratory simulation of magnetospheric plasma phenomena using laser induced fluorescence as a diagnostic

The use of LIF to observe directly the time evolution of the ion distribution function and density in laboratory simulations (with Ba ions in a Q machine) of magnetospheric plasma effects is demonstrated, summarizing the results of recent investigations. The experimental apparatus is described, and sample results are presented in extensive tables, diagrams, and graphs. Phenomena simulated include the electrostatic-ion-cyclotron instability, auroral electron acceleration, potential-drop production, ion heating with multiple species, and bulk and tail transverse ion heating due to the excitation of broad-band lower-hybrid waves. 15 references