Showing papers by "Baptiste Cecconi published in 2004"

Jupiter's low-frequency radio spectrum from Cassini/Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) absolute flux density measurements

Abstract: [1] We apply the calibration method developed by Dulk et al. [2001] to the data from the Cassini/Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) High-Frequency Receiver in order to derive flux density measurements of six components of the Jovian low-frequency radio spectrum over the full frequency range of the instrument (3.5 kHz to 16.1 MHz). The estimated accuracy is better than 50%, i.e., much less than the intrinsic variations of the flux densities of these radiosources. It is mainly limited by the accuracy of the model used for the radio galactic background. Instrumental parameters such as the antennas' effective lengths and base capacitance are constrained in the calibration process. From 6 months of calibrated data centered on the Cassini-Jupiter flyby, we derive the average and peak Jovian radio spectrum between 3.5 and 16.1 MHz and its range of fluctuations, from which we deduce constraints on the beaming of the various radio components and estimate the power emitted by each component. Our calibration procedure also allows us to compare Cassini measurements of the Jovian radio spectrum with ground-based measurements performed, e.g., in Nancay above the ionospheric cutoff (10−15 MHz). It will be used to derive absolute flux measurements during the Saturn tour.

In‐flight calibration of the Cassini‐Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) antenna system for direction‐finding and polarization measurements

Abstract: [1] One major objective of the Cassini mission is the analysis of Saturnian radio emissions of magnetospheric (auroral) as well as atmospheric (lightning) origin. The Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) experiment is designed to measure the full polarization and the wave vector of the incoming radio waves, allowing us to retrieve information on source locations and emission modes. For that purpose, RPWS uses a two-channel receiver, connected to two electric monopoles (selected among three), which measures the voltages induced by the electric field of the incident waves and their various correlations. The accuracy of retrieved source locations depends directly on the precise knowledge of the orientation of the three effective monopole axes and lengths, which do not coincide with the physical ones owing to interaction with the spacecraft body. Antenna calibration aims at determining the so-called effective length vector of each antenna (combining orientation and length information). For that purpose, roll maneuvers of the Cassini spacecraft were performed before and after the Jupiter flyby, at distances such that Jovian radio sources can be identified with the planet's center but still provide a high signal-to-noise ratio. The resulting modulations of the measured signals allow us to derive the orientation and length of the effective antennas. The analysis is performed in two steps: first, the Stokes parameters (wave polarization) are determined using approximate antenna orientations derived from laboratory measurements on a scale model of the spacecraft. Second, measurements with high signal-to-noise ratio and pure circular polarization are selected and used for the determination of the effective length vectors of the RPWS antennas. Two methods have been developed for inverting the system of equations relating antenna parameters, wave parameters, and measurements (least squares fit and analytical inversion), both of which provide consistent results and present different advantages and limitations which are discussed. A final set of antenna parameters to be used for direction finding studies with the RPWS experiment is obtained.

In-flight calibration of the Cassini-Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) antenna system for direction-finding and polarization measurements : Cassini flyby of Jupiter

Abstract: [1] One major objective of the Cassini mission is the analysis of Saturnian radio emissions of magnetospheric (auroral) as well as atmospheric (lightning) origin. The Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) experiment is designed to measure the full polarization and the wave vector of the incoming radio waves, allowing us to retrieve information on source locations and emission modes. For that purpose, RPWS uses a two-channel receiver, connected to two electric monopoles (selected among three), which measures the voltages induced by the electric field of the incident waves and their various correlations. The accuracy of retrieved source locations depends directly on the precise knowledge of the orientation of the three effective monopole axes and lengths, which do not coincide with the physical ones owing to interaction with the spacecraft body. Antenna calibration aims at determining the so-called effective length vector of each antenna (combining orientation and length information). For that purpose, roll maneuvers of the Cassini spacecraft were performed before and after the Jupiter flyby, at distances such that Jovian radio sources can be identified with the planet's center but still provide a high signal-to-noise ratio. The resulting modulations of the measured signals allow us to derive the orientation and length of the effective antennas. The analysis is performed in two steps: first, the Stokes parameters (wave polarization) are determined using approximate antenna orientations derived from laboratory measurements on a scale model of the spacecraft. Second, measurements with high signal-to-noise ratio and pure circular polarization are selected and used for the determination of the effective length vectors of the RPWS antennas. Two methods have been developed for inverting the system of equations relating antenna parameters, wave parameters, and measurements (least squares fit and analytical inversion), both of which provide consistent results and present different advantages and limitations which are discussed. A final set of antenna parameters to be used for direction finding studies with the RPWS experiment is obtained.

Simultaneous observations of Jovian quasi-periodic radio emissions by the Galileo and Cassini spacecraft

Abstract: [1] The gravity-assist flyby by Cassini of Jupiter on 30 December 2000 and the extended Galileo orbital mission provided a unique opportunity to obtain simultaneous measurements with two spacecraft of many Jovian plasma wave and radio emissions. One of these emissions is Jovian type III radio emissions, also known as Jovian quasi-periodic (QP) emissions. The simultaneous observations of the QP emissions show very similar characteristics, even when the two spacecraft are separated by large distances and located at very different local times (LT). These similarities suggest that this emission is beamed in a strobe light like manner (over a large angular range) and not like a search light rotating with Jupiter's magnetic field, as many other Jovian radio emissions are. The initial source of the QP bursts is likely located near Jupiter. As the emissions propagate through the magnetosphere, the QP bursts appear as enhancements of the trapped continuum. At the magnetosheath the higher density plasma disperses the lower frequency component of the bursts, producing the characteristic “type III like” spectral shape.

High Spectral and Temporal Resolution Observations of Saturn Kilometric Radiation

Abstract: [1] This paper presents the first high-resolution dynamic spectra of Saturn kilometric radiation acquired upon Cassini's approach and first orbits of Saturn. The emissions display upward and downward drifting features with bandwidths down to ∼200 Hz and drift rates of a few kHz per second. At other times, the emissions are much more diffuse or continuous, showing little spectral structure on scales of 10 or 20 kHz. The fine structure is strikingly similar to Earth's auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) and Jovian auroral radio emissions in many respects. The dynamic spectral features provide insight into the highly nonlinear nature of the cyclotron maser instability believed to generate the emissions. We use ideas developed to explain the fine structures at Earth to suggest features and processes in the auroral acceleration region which may result in Saturn's fine structures.

Jupiter's low-frequency radio spectrum from Cassini/Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) absolute flux density measurements : Cassini flyby of Jupiter

Abstract: [1] We apply the calibration method developed by Dulk et al. [2001] to the data from the CassinilRadio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) High-Frequency Receiver in order to derive flux density measurements of six components of the Jovian low-frequency radio spectrum over the full frequency range of the instrument (3.5 kHz to 16.1 MHz). The estimated accuracy is better than 50%, i.e., much less than the intrinsic variations of the flux densities of these radiosources. It is mainly limited by the accuracy of the model used for the radio galactic background. Instrumental parameters such as the antennas' effective lengths and base capacitance are constrained in the calibration process. From 6 months of calibrated data centered on the Cassini-Jupiter flyby, we derive the average and peak Jovian radio spectrum between 3.5 and 16.1 MHz and its range of fluctuations, from which we deduce constraints on the beaming of the various radio components and estimate the power emitted by each component. Our calibration procedure also allows us to compare Cassini measurements of the Jovian radio spectrum with ground-based measurements performed, e.g., in Nancay above the ionospheric cutoff (10-15 MHz). It will be used to derive absolute flux measurements during the Saturn tour.