al RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS A Jowt Procram oF THE Ain Force Researcu Laboratory AND THE OFFice oF NavaL RESEARCH P 19981105 002CaS a a a ol BER eehis report deseribes and documents the scientific uses and the wide eange of applications created by ‘the HF Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP), The re- port is based on the deliberations of a scientiic commitice sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory and the OF fice of Naval Research and convened by the Bast- West Space Science Center of the University of Maryland. The commit- tee was composed of the following members Dennis Papadopoulos, Committee Chairman: Professor of Physics, University of Maryland Paul A.Bembarat Active Experiments Projet Leader, Beatn Physics Branch, Plasma Physis Division, [aval Research Laboratory Conznts Herbert C. Carlson J. Chit Scent, Air Fone Osice of Sientife Resear Watliam £. Gordon re roses Crea, Chace 2 Profesoe and former Dean, Rie Universit Member of tne National Acacemy of Sciences THE HF ACTIVE AURORAL RESEARCH PROGRAM 8 Alexander V. Guzevich ‘cn ovoernane Moorea Head, fonospherie Division, Lebedev Institutes Seo Rowore Sevan 8 Corresponding Member ofthe Russian Academy of Sciences ‘APPLICATIONS: 1 Tow Fruaenens 0 Michael C. Kelley iter Fregemcts B Profesor of Electrical Engineering, Orne: Erecuenes “ Come Univesity HAAAP - BASIC RESEARCH 16 Michael J. Keskinen ‘Crowe Lert oF Furi 5 Head, Space Experiments Section, hanged Povticle Physice Bronch, CONCLUDING REMARKS 16 Naval Research Laboratory GLOSSARY Roald Z. Sagdeew Distingutshed Professor of Physics, University of Maryland; Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Foreign Member of the National Acadersy of Sciences Gennady M. Milikh, Committee Secretary: Research Associate, University of MarylandTHE ISSUES MEME Grosrace GLOBAL CHANGE ] he Sun controls and shapes the three major re jons of Geospace—the magnetosshere, the ionosphere, and the atmosphere. These regions, rather ‘than being (solated, interact with each other and form, ‘a chain that connects the Earth to the Sun through the atmosphere and the solar terrestrial environment, Dis- turbances originating at the Sun spread through this chain via the solae wind end solar radiation. They ulti mately influence our weather, our climate, and even our communications, The clouds and the Earth’ sur- face play a critical role in this chain, which is finely tuned fo bein a delicate equilibrium with life on Earth. ‘The atmosphere and the ionosphere are the geospace ‘NASA panic ‘Tin mit of the Sola wind on tae Pact’ magnetosphere, Te solar wid confines the Ereti’s mngueic fii toa commetshaped zane that hs cur planet oes nucleus, The magmetosphieve fs dre aut into very Hong tail ot shown) tal stretches ae ‘front the Stnregions closest tothe surface of the arth, The lowest regions of the neutral atmosphere—the troposphere, the stratosphere, anc! the mesosphere—are critical in controlling the global temperature of the Earth and in filtering the harmful effects ofthe solar radiation. The next layer—the ionosphere—starts at about =70km altitude and contains a significant fraction of electr- cally charged particles, Becatse charged particles are subjected to electric and magnetic foes, the ionosphere hasa uniquely important role within the overall solat- terrestrial system. It couples to the magnetosphere and holiosphere above by electric forces and to the strato- sphere below by conventional atmospheric dynamic forces. Lis region that supports and controls electric ccurrentsand potentials ranging up toa million amperes and hundreds of kilovolts, respectively. Bxoschere 3 Thernosphere Mesospiere BEeeBs as 300 $08 B00 Temperate °C The Atmosphere Solar Radiator + pesseases Electeon density om Schematic representation ofthe atinasphere an the ionasphove. The altitude dependence ofthe Yenperatiee and elect density are shou oe fof one eight snes, respectively, Te spectra of soar radiation and its alnwplieric absorption ov saa fr the mide. The ionosphere savtsat abot 7Uko. Communication paths beter the grouad and satelite har 1 ross the fonosphee ane the alnoopone NASA parene ‘The presence of charged particles in the iono- sphere controls the performance of many military and civilian systems using electromagnetic waves. On the low frequency end (VLF/ULF/HP), reflection of radio ‘waves by the ionosphere allows for worldwice com= iuinications and Over-the Horizon (OTH) radar op- eration, On the higher frequency end (VHE/UHE) transionospheric propagation is a ubiquitous element of numecous civilian and military communication, sa veillance, and remote sensing systems. Paths linking, satellites to the ground cress the ionosphere, and the system performance is often critically dependent on the state and structure of the ionosphere in the vicinity af these paths. EF tks using ionospheric reflection ad tonnstovesplerccomtonnication pris‘The polar ionosphere located above the Arctic 1s of particular signiticance. The magnetic fold lines traversing this region connect directly to tho solar ‘wind—a stream of charged particles lowing outward feom the Sun towaed the magnetosphere, permitting direct access of solar wind particles into the ionosphere. Furthermore, the solar wind, functioning asa conduc- tot, creates an electric generator. Tais is similar to the conventional generators that produce electric energy when a conductor moves or rolates across a magnetic field. The cusrents generated by the solar wind flow toward the Earth guided by the magnetic field and close the electri ciceuit by traversing the polar ionosphere. ‘Thisisknownas the auroral electrodynamic circuitand cartes (oars the EavthO1 to L million MW of power, ‘eqqivalent to 100 to 1090 large power plants. The en- ‘ergy is dissipated in the polar ionosphere and trans- {ered to the mesosphere, driving complex photacheri cal and plasma-physical processes, A fraction of this energy appears as @ spectacular light display, known as the aurora borealis —~ E fa) e) i magnetic field erento a mturaity occurring geeraton Pauany ccunmens| evewno ‘se @ hes (6) The posite net negative terminals ofthe rturaly ‘oceurring generator are sewn loge wth the primary currents (2 The priory currents ce secondary wpnrd ‘currents i the outer edge ofthe auroral exe! Yo clase the eletrcaldisoharge eres. The currents eves the pater cap aed alg the auroral os Aeped on the atmosphere’s conductivityre Remote sensing of the Arctic and monitoring of the state of the polar ionosphere is @ prerequisite in ‘understanding and modeling the globat Earth sys- tern—a major goal of the US. Global Change Research Program (GCRP). Furthermore, increased reliance on space-based clectromagnetic systems requires notonly monitoring ofthe global ionosphere state but also an ‘examination ofthe impact that controlled loca! modt- {ications in the vicinity of transtonospheric paths car have on these systems. The possibility that system per formance can be influenced by controled local modi- fications, using ground-based HF transmitters, could affect the planting and economics of space systems. ‘The HF Active Auroral Research Progeam (HAAR?) is based on a HF transmitter and a comple- ment of diagnostics located in Gakona, Alaska, The location of the HF transmitter undenneath the auzoral clectrodynamic cizeuit and the power and flexibility of operation, based on use of today’s most sophist- cated technology, provide the HAARP witha noveland ‘unique broadband remote sensing resource. By exploit ing the propertcs of the auroral ionosphere as an act tive, nonkineas medium, the prisary energy of the HE Aranamitter, which is confined in the frequency range from 28 to 10 MHz, con be downrconverted in fre- quency to coherent low frequency waves spanning five decades, a5 well as up-converted io infrared and vise ‘ble photons. can, furthermore, sructute the fone: spheric density ina way that providesa controlled scat~ terer for HE/VHF/UHF frequencies. As a result the AARP HF transaaiier can genevate sources for remote sensing and communications spanning 16 decades in frequency. This report describes and documents the impor- tance ofthe HARP i fulling the ove requirements, inaddition to advancing the scientific frontiers iniono- spheric physics. HARE Speratng Secuency Suomarine Communion —_——— Radar and Rado Communeaions Underground Expiration <> Range of ° ange of ange o Induced Coherent Waves ‘es Eee Range o induced Coherent Waves Pose PY Or ve pet fev ow ¥ re 5 ee 3% 1 oe Mae Wee Mie ep eee ‘The HAARP transite sadinles in a narra fequesicy rage of 2.8 19 10 Mix. Hoavoer sing te ionospher: as an active ted, seem poole secondary ration sources fir the IR visible, mul ULETELE/VEF ranges. ca asa ees new Hs inthe HIE/VHEAIHE ranges by rvpting she election density ofthe iosospire, thereby protucg controled scatterers a these “FrsguencienHAARP Unique Features--Current Plan + 12X16 cross dipole array ven by 360 10 KW transmitters 1 Very high elective radiated power: 86 1996 dBW (2.8 0 10 MH) + Wide range of paramettic contro! - Wide array operating band: 2.8 to 10 MH? (-Iwo octaves} = Very wide sean: +30° cone «Rapid beam soar: 10 us Arbitrary polarization: any cross or tinear polarization Bam shaping and radiation pattern contro: + Modem fiver-optic contral systern = High-speed phase control (144 MVS) High-speed data communication + Fast systern computation: 1.28 GFLOPS + Unique transportable and remotely operable graphic interface + Integrated diagnostic sunpon for control/coordinationiexpansion HAARP Diagnostic Instrumentation HAARP ACQUISITIONS DIAGNOSTICS AVAILABLE TO HAARP ‘Magnetometer ‘University of Alaska, Geophysical Institute ELFIVLF receivers Magnetometer chain Longwave wideband ragiomotor iomotor chain region remote sensing receivers HF vertical ionosounders HF stimulatod EM emissions receiver HE (28 M2) racer \VHF (30 MHz) riomotor ‘VHF imaging riomatar VHF (50 M2) radar \VHF (250 MHz) scintifation monitor UHF incoherent scatter radar” BF spoctrum mon tor Imaging photometer SWWIR photometer SWIR imager Rayleighiozore lidar Sodium resonance lidar Optical imager chain High atiuce monitoring site (UA, Geootyscal Instiute) ‘VHF (50 MHz) radar Riometer Magnetometer Ac weather service HE verticaionoscunder (College Stetion) DIAGNOSTICS UNDER CONSIDERATION Satelite-pased diagnostics * PlannedTHE HF ACTIVE AURORAL RESEARCH PROGRAM MMMM Local JonospHERIC MoODiFICATIONS AND REMOTE SENSING l he HAARP facility, currently under devetop- ment in Alaska, is the outgrowth of more than 30 years of ionospheric heating rescarch. A wealth of experimental studies conducted at ionospheric heat- ing installations, such as the ones in Arecibo, Puerto Rico; Tromso, Norway; Fairbanks, Alaska; and several installations in the former USSR brought the under- standing of the physics and tho phenomenology of the HF ionosphere interactions to a new plateau, The sci- entific field wins ready tomake the transition from pure research 1 pplicationsin the civilian and military are- nas, In February 1999, a major workshop sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and the Air Force Re- search Laboratory, and with representation from the National Sclence Foundation, took place in New Lone on, Connecticut. The workshop, attended by more than 60 representatives from Key science, technology, and application areas, defined the operational require- ments of the next HF ionospheric transmitter and pre- sented the rationale that led to the HAARP. ILwas con- cluded that an HF transmitter located in the auroral zone, with ground power three times larger than the one in Tromso and operationally enhanced with the flexibility provicled by the most advanced phased array and software technology, would provide the Na tion with unprecedented capability to locally control the state of the ionosphere. The workshop endorsed the HAARP transmitter as the comerstone ofthe tran sition from ionospheric research to technology and ap- plications. ‘The primary energy of the HARP transmitter car be radiated at any selected frequency between 2.8 and 10 MHz. By matching the radiating frequency to theionospherie density profile, the rediated energy can bbe deposited selectively at altitudes between 70 and 90 ke (D/E Region) and between. 200 ard 300 kan (F Re- gion), ort can escape into space. A significant fraction of the absorbed HF energy is reradiated as optical en exgy. The ionosphere thus acts as a convertor of the HF energy into optical photons, This process is similar to those that ereate the natural airglow seen in the night sky by sensitive optical insteuments. The heater-pro- duced airglow spectrum depends on the heater beam intensity and the composition and density of the at- mosphere in the enaxgy depesition layer. The HAARP heater is the only one with sufficient beam intensity to induce re-radiation of the observed energy in the in- frared. Furthermore, the monochromatic heater signal can be converted into a broad radio spectrum impact: ing communications and providing diagnostic utility. Both the optical and radio emission spectra provide powerful sources for remote sensing techniques with many dual-use applications, ‘The presence of electric Fieldsane cusrents in the auroral oval provides HAARP with unique capabili- ties. It ean be used as a low-frequency transmitter of radio system that is tunable continuously over the range from 0.00) Hz to 40 kHz, This function is achieved by amplitude or frequency modulation of the transmitter signal at the cesived low frequency. The ionosphere, acting asa high-frequency filles, demodu- lates the HIF signal and returns an electromagnetic sig- nal with frequency equal to the low modulation fre- jqueney. This wave ean propagate with low attenuation over thousands of kilometers, guided by the waveguidelonosphere Low Frequency sosphene EP angetgy Demodulator AARP Modulated —_ HF Ground Alaskan Grane ULEVELA/VLE waves erent by ionospheric demodudation of anplitue or frequency mated HF signals from the HARP rarsmater. The lo frqucuely ones are gilded by the voacegile fovmed betocen dhe growl dnt the ionosphere, These woes preegate mnatieniated over thousonds of ilomnctsts, Energy Fonknge thongh the sen and grou ali for coummunncation ‘vith subsirines an nndergrowerd explocation. formed by the ground and the ionosphere, in the man- net that many low-frequency communication systems. are used by the Navy. fons are rodlike and are aligned with the magnetic Jield. They can act as specular field aligned scatterers (AS) that ceflect frequencies from HF to UHF in a When the energy is deposited in the F Region near the peak of the electron density, it creates siriae ‘ons in the local ionospheric electron density. The sri highly dizectional manner. The FAS could modify the signals traversing ther as well as provide new com- munication links. St mneouanries| AARP SITE IONOSPHERE. LHE poionr fis the AARP transmitter incident on the fonusphow oraes shuts ide clectron density. These structurc, acting a8 Breage scatters, reat new groune-to grote aid growa-to-spnce SF/VEAE/UI links. They cnn also act the perforiauerof conventional soeliteto-ground VHF /UHE BirksAPPLICATIONS Low FREQUENCIES EOWMONENS 5 SPHERIG BAND 3 2 wh 4 eat |. requencr le Maguatie field spectrom of oae-frequency coves vested by radon neni sources. fr he bse of coherent, tutte, loefeoquency sources, these runees fee Boe usd for wdngzound exploration. a & 3 WONETEREDANPLTEE pO) a se Fee ee ieee COULATION FREGUENEY (st Magnetic fet spectra proce by mesilate’ RP inter acting with the ionosphere, ousting a cere, fhuiable sonic. is expected tint AARP ruil proce at fas ane onion af mmgitide lager avuphzuses. Aa of the eleetromagnotie spectrum, operating from sev- «eral megahertz to the visible and ultraviolet, These fre- ‘quencies have inherent advantages in terms of band- ‘width, resolution, and ease in the development and de- ploymentofsourcesand detectors, However, their poor penetrating capability constitutesa major impediment when used for probing or communicating deep into the ground or the sea Low frequencies penetrate much deeper into the ‘ground and the sea and have been used for slbmarine communications and geophysical exploration. How- ever, problems in developing efficient broadband low- frequency sources make the use of low frequencies for sublerrarean applications difficult. result, lowefre- quency electromagnetic applications have often relied con natural sources, suchas lightning andl geomagnetic pulsations. But, while natural sources have logisticand interpretative advantages over small artificial sources, they sutfes from theirinherent unpredictability and the noiselike characteristics of their signal. Furthermore, ‘natural signals are extremely weak in the 1 t0 2 kHz and 0.1 to 10 He frequency bands. These bands are ioi- portant in mineral and petroleum exploration ‘The HARP heater, operating in the low-fre- quency conversion mode, generates controlled, snono- chromatic, coherunt waves between 0.007 Hz and 40 kHe. This source has all the advantages of the natural sources and none oftheir disadvantages. Thus HAARP fills long-standing vacuunn in controlled electromag: netic sources, with the potential te revolutionize low- frequency remote sensing and communications. 10Low frequencies propagate as guided waves in ‘the waveguide formed between the conducting ground and the ionosphere, suffering weak attenuation. As a zesult, a significant fraction of the Barth can be cov- ‘ered from the HAARP site, Low-frequency waves injected in the Barth’s ra- lation beits can induce precipitation of the energetic ppatticles trapped in this region of geospace, Hamess- ing this process could allow contro! of the lux of ener gti particles in particular regions of the radiation belts and could impact the operation and lifetimes of satel- lites operating in this geospace region. Expectod covernge frow: HAARP af 160 He, The cooerage Sncrenss foster tan Henvorly wilh eeveasing roguency. Convo! of Reflection Source of Coefficient ULFELFVLF Emission Stimulated by HF Heating ULF/ELFIVLF Waves / Radiation Belts Precipitating Particles Precipitation of radiation bets ptcies taduccl By nfetion of le frequency coces u“oan Sotacara -unsne Samper Det Minin expcn Wests A sunray of AARP applications and rameters tet ca be probed wes operating asa tnabl, lowe freguoney tronsintter ‘The unique features of the HARP heater oper- ating asa tunable, low-frequency transmitter allow for awide sange of applications, including probing of the ‘undergeound, the mesosphere, the ionosphere and the magnetosphere 2] he HAARP transmitter can impact the use of certain HF/ VHF/UHF ground-to-ground and {ground-to-satelite links by modifying the ionospheric region through which they pass, Of majorimportance is use of the FAS concept toenhance ground-to-ground and groundeto-satellite links that would otherwise be marginal or absent. Establishment of over-the-hori- zon VHE/UHE paths will permit new communica- tions, surveillance, and remote sonsing systems using ‘ground-based facilities. New ground-to-space paths coukd extend the coverage range of civilian and mili- {ary communications and surveillance systems. On the military side, the ionospheric plasme can be atifcially structured in the vicinity of transionosphesic commu nication, surveillance, oF navigation paths affecting the performance of these systems, In the HP range, the HAAR teansmiticrcon also operate asa radar. When its frequency of operation exceeds the critica frequency of the F Region, if can be used both as an incoherent scalter radar to diagnose high-altitude plasma in the auroral ionosphere and as 4 coherent radar to probe ‘turbulent processes cecurring in the auroral magnet sphere, Similar techniques can be used to probe the solar wind, the solar corona, and planetary bodiesand their ionespheres. Finally, novel concepts have beer ceveloped using the HAARP transmitter in a radar ‘mode in conjunction with a subaudio acoustic source to probe the auroral stratosphere and mescsphere. Hicu Frequences 7 ‘The HAARP as. radar to probe the auroral magnctosphore Tonosphere ‘Electric Fes + HE/VHEILHE Communcations Winds ‘= RavigationSPS Countermassures A sumnaary of applications and paranisters that can be probed by HARP in the HE/VEIE/UHE range 1BOptical FREQUENCIES Avbifici!aigloce excited by high-power radio maces | l der steady-state conditions, a significant fraction of the HE power absorbed by the ionospheric electrons results in atomic and molecular excitation and reradintion in a wide range of optical requencies. It is expected that, at its highest beam in= tensity, the HAARP heater will produce airglow with megawatt power mainly in the visible and IR region of the spectrum. The IR emissions are predominantly ‘caused by the indirect excitation of CO, moleculesand propagate undisturbed upwards, while they are ab- sorbed downwards. They can be detected from prop erly instrumented satellites located within the line of sight of the modified region. Of particular importance is the proposed U.S-Russia “RAMOS” satellite, whose orbit will ly over the HAARP site frequontly. Mensur ing the Rand optical emissions with yood spatial 7es0~ ution providesa wealth of information about the state of the ionospheric mgion in which they were gener aed, Including neviral density structure, wind dycam- ics, and relative abundance of the IR emitters, The IR emissions, incheding the potential for striating their source region, have significant miblary implications to TR detection and countermeasures, INFRARED DETECTOR INFRARED PATCH IONOSPHERE HAARP TRANSMITTER AARP ava fustrumiemt of 8 dingiostics ofthe atmosphere aTHAARP — BASIC RESEARCH l he wide range of applications of HAARP as a remote sensing and communications instrument represents the fruition of many years of basic iono- spheric research conducted in previous, much weaker and less sophisticated installations. In terms of both, effective radiated power and flexibility of operation, HAARP constitutes a major advance in ionospheric transmitters. Ils design requires that the combination, ‘of frequency and the radiated power density exceed the theoretical threshold in which new physical phe ‘nomena ate expected. Such phenomena include strong, nonlineatities associated with solitary waves, onset of turbulence, generation of energetic electcon fluxes, [R ‘emissions, and very short scale structuces, Past lessons taught us that even more important fhan the theoreti cally predicted phenomena are the breakthroughs. New ‘phenomena appear when technological progress allows Gupwe Licht TO THE Furure exploration of the response of nonlinear physical sys~ tems under new dynamic conditions. The HAARP will, be the guiding light to the future, ina similar fashion. as past active ionospheric programs led to the unprece ceented range of applications discussed in this publi- cation Osereiew of base rescore 15CONCLUDING REMARKS HAARP usHers IN A NEW SCIENTIFIC ERA FOR THE 217 CENTURY. ] he HAARP represents a technological advance ment with capabilities that allow for new ancl unique dual-use research and application opportuni fies, Use of the ionosphere as an active, nonlinear me- dium allows the primary HE energy to be transformed, in a controlled fashion into coherent radiation from. 0,001 He to 40 KEfz and into incoherent IR and visible wavelengths, This function, supplemented with the generation of FAS and with the use of the transmitter as a radar, makes the HAARP transmitter 2 unique source for remote sensing and communication uses. ana urtaese Soa Wine ‘Sole Aoropton Specter dere waves Pol Satoeohere Clouds Three madesofeperations of the HAARD heater (radar, VIF/ELPAULE source ted FAS vefetos) Clin (hue ant itory fgreen) uses id applications ave Usted for various geophysical regions 16Gossary Pe et cd tet) oa Peres DOOM eeeters ry renee re eR Co eee cor erin erent eto peer Cece arama EyVTrmre tert ort] Laverne Pa Preteen en rao) ® ae) Crest w reer Ce Peers ee eC eee ry ey rennin) Po eres) rr veer TTL Por eer Sener Tt) “ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: See ee ee oe Ts PCC ans as John Heckscher, Air Force Research Laboratory Edward Kennedy, Naval Research Laboratory Paul Kossey, Air Force Rescarch Laboratory See eet card Ramy Shanny, Advanced Power Technology, Ine. ae are greece NINO ec eo cKel ag 4555 Overlook Avenue, SW ee aT Cn ee te eeentad eer) ‘Additional copies of this publication are available from the HAARP Program Office, 29 Randolph Rd., PC mca