Recent results from studies of electron beam phenomena in space plasmas

Abstract

Experiments involving the ejection of beams of electrons from spacecraft have been performed for more than 2 decades in order to study fundamental plasma physical processes as well as for a range of diagnostic- and application-oriented purposes. This paper reviews some of the key issues that have been pursued in the past 10 years. These include questions regarding spacecraft charging and beam dynamics, the interaction of beams with neutral gas and plasmas, and the electromagnetic radiation generated by continuous and pulsed electron beams. It is shown how our understanding of these phenomena has matured, thereby providing a solid foundation for future experiments involving the use of electron beams.