Magnetic Sector Research Articles

On the Relationship Between the Banded Hiss Distribution and Plasmapause Location: A Survey of Van Allen Probes Observations

AbstractThe plasmapause is the outer boundary of the plasmasphere and plays a crucial role in the propagation of plasma waves. We statistically investigate the relationship between the distribution of banded hiss and plasmapause locations. Wave power distributions of banded hiss are analyzed in terms of two ways: (a) the distance away from the plasmapause (ΔL) and (b) the equatorial distance away from the Earth. Statistical results show both bands of banded hiss have larger wave powers and occurrence rates near the plasmapause. The frequencies of two banded hiss waves both decrease discernably with increasing L‐shell at most magnetic local time sectors and geomagnetic activities, but remain nearly constant with increasing ΔL. The highly consistent distribution suggests both bands may be generated in the plume region. The correlation between banded hiss waves and plasmapause locations sheds new light on the generation mechanisms of banded hiss waves.

Accurate determination of matrix composition in Cd x Zn 1 − x O semiconductor material using MS-SIMS and ToF-SIMS methods

Abstract This study focuses on the method for determining the exact composition for Cd x Zn 1 − x O semiconducting material using secondary ion mass spectrometry. The calibration curve method is employed to establish a quantitative relationship between the intensity of secondary ions and the concentrations of elements in Cd x Zn 1 − x O thin films. Additionally, the study compares the relative sensitivity factors with the calibration curve method for determining the value of x in Cd x Zn 1 − x O . A comparison between the performances of Time of Flight and Magnetic Sector SIMS in analyzing Cd x Zn 1 − x O thin films is also presented. This approach aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of quantitative analysis in SIMS for Cd x Zn 1 − x O thin films.

A numerical study of double flow focusing micro-jets

Purpose Double flow-focusing nozzles (DFFNs) form a coaxial flow of primary liquid with micro-crystalline samples, surrounded by secondary liquid and focusing gas. This paper aims to develop an experimentally validated numerical model and assess the performance of micro-jets from a DFFN as a function of various operating parameters for the water–ethanol–helium system, revealing the jet's stability, diameter, length and velocity. Design/methodology/approach The physical model is formulated in the mixture-continuum formulation, which includes coupled mass, momentum and species transport equations. The model is numerically formulated within the finite volume method–volume of fluid approach and implemented in OpenFOAM to allow for a non-linear variation of the fluid's material properties as a function of the mixture concentration. The numerical results are compared with the experimental data. Findings A sensitivity study of jets with Reynolds numbers between 12 and 60, Weber numbers between 4 and 120 and capillary numbers between 0.2 and 2.0 was performed. It was observed that jet diameters and lengths get larger with increased primary and secondary fluid flow rates. Increasing gas flow rates produces thinner, shorter and faster jets. Previously considered pre-mixed and linear mixing models substantially differ from the accurate representation of the water–ethanol mixing dynamics in DFFNs. The authors demonstrated that Jouyban–Acree mixing model fits the experimental data much better. Originality/value The mixing of primary and secondary liquids in the jet produced by DFFN is numerically modelled for the first time. This study provides novel insights into mixing dynamics in such micro-jets, which can be used to improve the design of DFFNs.

Research on a miniature Mattauch-Herzog mass spectrometer designed for space exploration

Mass spectrometers have gained increasing importance in recent space missions. This paper presents the development of a miniature Mattauch-Herzog mass spectrometer for mass analysis. The mass spectrometer consists of an electron ionization (EI) source, an electrostatic and magnetic mass analyzer, and a focal plane detector. The construction of the EI source is based on a study of the impact of electrode voltages on ion focusing performance and ion transmission efficiency using the phase space method in the SIMION-8.1 software. The SIMION model of the mass analyzer is utilized to analyze the effects of electrostatic field voltage and magnetic fringe field on the ion beam. Experimental results from the instrument prototype demonstrate that the ion beam is influenced by the electrostatic field in a manner consistent with the simulation results of the SIMION model. The theoretical mass-to-charge ratio range of this double focusing mass spectrometer (DFMS) is 8amu–300amu, and it is capable of distinguishing isotopes with mass differences larger than 0.3amu, such as Ne. The N2 peak width at Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) is 0.4amu, the mass resolution is 70.0, and the minimum detectable pressure of N2 is 2.8 × 10−9Pa. The Xe peak width (FWHM) is 1.3amu, the mass resolution is 101.5, and the minimum detectable pressure of Xe is 4.4 × 10−9Pa.

Determining the carbon detection limit with magnetic sector dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)

Dynamic SIMS is often used to evaluate the concentration of impurities in solids because of its high sensitivity, depth profiling capabilities, good depth resolution, and high throughput. Continuous ion beam sputtering with a high-density primary beam provides high sensitivity and reduces the background contribution from residual gases within the analytical chamber. Dynamic SIMS experiments performed with several magnetic sector instruments using various sputtering rate conditions demonstrated a slow decrease of the carbon detection limit with the increase of sputtering rate (SR), when it was varied by changing the sputtering beam density. The dependence data, within the scatter limits, can be fit by a power function of SR with the exponent of about −1/2. The observed detection-limit-dependence curve is common for magnetic sector SIMS instruments, owing to contamination and the design of the analytical chamber. The depth resolution of light-element SIMS analysis (except for oxygen) performed using Cs+ sputtering is limited and cannot be improved by reducing the impact energy of the sputtering beam. A segregation-type depth profile with a long trailing edge was observed in the B, C, and N depth profiles when Cs+ sputtering was employed under ultra-high vacuum conditions. This effect is plausibly associated with preferential sputtering owing to the difference in the surface binding energy, along with the large difference in the mass of the interacting atoms within the collision cascade during sputtering. The depth resolution improved with surface oxidation when Cs + sputtering was combined with backfilling of the analytical chamber using O2. The analytical chamber backfilled with oxygen can be sufficiently replaced with a very low-impact energy-focused oxygen beam, enabling simultaneous oxygen and cesium co-sputtering SIMS analysis. The practical feasibility of using a co-sputtering with focused Cs+ and O2+ sputtering beams to achieve a high depth-resolution for carbon analysis under ultrahigh vacuum conditions was demonstrated.

Variations in the Inferred Cosmic-Ray Spectral Index as Measured by Neutron Monitors in Antarctica

A technique has recently been developed for tracking short-term spectral variations in Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) using data from a single neutron monitor (NM), by collecting histograms of the time delay between successive neutron counts and extracting the leader fraction L as a proxy of the spectral index. Here we analyze L from four Antarctic NMs from 2015 March to 2023 September. We have calibrated L from the South Pole NM with respect to a daily spectral index determined from published data of GCR proton fluxes during 2015–2019 from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) on board the International Space Station. Our results demonstrate a robust correlation between the leader fraction and the spectral index fit over the rigidity range 2.97–16.6 GV for AMS-02 data, with uncertainty of 0.018 in the daily spectral index as inferred from L. In addition to the 11 yr solar activity cycle, a wavelet analysis confirms a 27 day periodicity in the GCR flux and spectral index corresponding to solar rotation, especially near sunspot minimum, while the flux occasionally exhibits a strong harmonic at 13.5 days. The magnetic field component along a nominal Parker spiral (i.e., the magnetic sector structure) is a strong determinant of such spectral and flux variations, with the solar wind speed exerting an additional, nearly rigidity-independent influence on flux variations. Our investigation affirms the capability of ground-based NM stations to accurately and continuously monitor cosmic-ray spectral variations over the long-term future.

Enhancement of penetration of electromagnetic waves by field focusing applied to GPR detection

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is limited by challenges such as signal attenuation and inadequate target detection in lossy dielectrics, prompting research on data processing algorithms to enhance detection capability. In this study, we propose a method for enhancing GPR detection capability based on electromagnetic field focusing (FF). The method involves calculating the phase difference attributable to the range difference between each antenna element and the focal point and compensating its feed phase accordingly. This approach effectively concentrates the energy of electromagnetic waves at the target area. Tapered slot antennas operating within the 2.5–8 GHz frequency band were employed for transmitting and receiving, thus facilitating algorithm verification and target detection. The synthetic aperture radar algorithm executed pulse compression and range migration on the received data, thereby intensifying the signal at the target object’s position and achieving double focusing. Notably, this study uniquely employs FF to enhance the penetrability of electromagnetic waves and augment the detection capability of GPR. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method in improving the GPR imaging quality.

Design and development of a scanning magnet for high-resolution mass spectrometry

The magnets play a crucial role in sector mass spectrometers, directly influencing the resolution, sensitivity, and stability of these instruments. This study is based on the design requisites for high-resolution scanning magnet, alongside the optical layout schematics for mass spectrometer instrumentation. The analysis is conducted on the design parameters encompassing magnetic structure, field quality, and response dynamics. Utilizing Opera-3D simulation software, optimization designs are executed for the magnetic structure and performance, resulting in a magnet design exhibiting commendable attributes such as response time, magnetic field distortion characteristics, field range, linearity, and homogeneity. Following the completion of magnet fabrication and assembly, comprehensive evaluations of magnetic field performance and instrument testing are conducted. Results demonstrate good magnetic field linearity and minimal eddy current distortion, with a magnetic field homogeneity reaching up to ±0.05 % within the desired field region. The magnet exhibits versatility across a scan range spanning 7 to 238 u, with a scanning speed of 140 ms. Sensitivity and resolution tests, conducted using In-115, validated the magnet's compliance with the stringent design requirements of high-resolution mass spectrometry scanning magnets.

Magnetic Sector SIMS Systems for FIB Platforms: New Developments, Applications, and Prospects

Magnetic Sector SIMS Systems for FIB Platforms: New Developments, Applications, and Prospects

Deployment of Magnetic Sector Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Technology on Focused Ion Beam Instruments: From the Initial Concept Idea to the Analytical Add-On System

Deployment of Magnetic Sector Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Technology on Focused Ion Beam Instruments: From the Initial Concept Idea to the Analytical Add-On System

Mass calibration of Rosetta’s ROSINA/DFMS mass spectrometer

The Double Focusing Mass Spectrometer (DFMS) onboard the Rosetta spacecraft employs an electrostatic and a magnet sector for energy and mass discrimination, resulting in a high mass resolution. A built-in feedback loop uses the measured magnet temperature to compensate for the temperature dependence of the magnet’s field strength. Still, large onboard temperature variations and other effects cause any given mass peak to move over a range of 30 pixels or more on the detector during the mission. The present paper discusses the various factors that contribute to the time variations in the mass calibration relation. A technique is developed to evaluate and correct for these factors. A mass calibration relation that is valid for the DFMS neutral high mass resolution mode measurements throughout the entire mission for the mass range m/z=13–69 is established and its accuracy is evaluated. The 1σ precision turns out to be less than a single pixel, which is excellent as full peak width at half height is about 12 pixels. The proposed approach provides an a posteriori mass calibration and is useful for all magnet-based mass spectrometers where experimental mass calibration by comparison to reference species, temperature stabilization, and/or electrostatic compensation, are not possible or fail to deliver a mass scale precision that is comparable to the mass resolution of the instrument.

Improving business processes in the agricultural sector considering economic security, digitalization, risks, and artificial intelligence

The study aimed to address ways to improve the efficiency of agribusiness through the introduction of modern technologies and innovative approaches. The methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis of financial indicators, analytical reviews, and specific examples of technology implementation were used to achieve this goal. The study emphasises the impact of digitalisation of the agricultural sector on improving economic security, efficiency and competitiveness. The introduction of digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things, process automation and precision farming, is helping to optimise production processes, reduce costs and improve product quality. The study results show that the concept of smart farming significantly increases the efficiency of agribusiness. The use of Big Data, blockchain technologies, drones and satellite technologies provides better management of agribusiness, while artificial intelligence helps to predict yields and optimise agricultural processes. Risk management in the agricultural sector, including insurance and financial instruments to hedge price fluctuations, is a key factor in enhancing economic stability. The experience of leading global companies such as John Deere, Agricultural Bank of China, Fruition Sciences, TE-FOOD and FieldView has shown the effectiveness of digital technologies and innovations in improving efficiency and sustainable development. Particular attention is devoted to the problems and prospects for the introduction of modern technologies in the agricultural sector of Ukraine on the example of Myronivsky Hliboproduct. An integrated model for improving the business processes of Myronivsky Hliboproduct is proposed, including the digitalisation of production processes, the introduction of blockchain technologies, the use of AI and risk management. Necessary steps to overcome existing challenges, such as insufficient funding for innovation, infrastructure constraints, staff training and cybersecurity, were determined. The implementation of the proposed measures will allow the company to become a leader in the implementation of innovations in the agricultural sector of Ukraine, increase competitiveness and ensure sustainable development in the future

Alfred Otto Carl Nier: On the Shoulders of a Mass Spectrometry Giant.

This Perspective pays homage to Alfred Otto Carl Nier, whose substantial contributions were fundamental in shaping the mass spectrometry field into a key technology in research and industry. On the 30th anniversary of his passing, on May 16, 1994, this paper explores Nier's role in the field of mass spectrometry through an overview of his published works, key interviews, and archival material. Nier, originally an electrical engineer turned physicist, spent most of his scientific career at the University of Minnesota. His many innovations, both instrumental and methodological, encompassed advanced fields such as isotopic research, tracer studies, geochronology, or space research. Nier improved sector mass spectrometers, participated in the development of the isotope-ratio mass spectrometry field, developed a double-focusing sector mass spectrometer, and was a relevant member of the Manhattan Project. Today, Nier's influence persists, inspiring new generations of scientists engaged in cutting-edge research, from environmental studies to planetary exploration. His legacy thrives as current technologies and scientific strategies still echo his innovations and foresight.

First direct observations of interplanetary shock impact angle effects on actual geomagnetically induced currents: The case of the Finnish natural gas pipeline system

The impact of interplanetary (IP) shocks on the Earth’s magnetosphere can greatly disturb the geomagnetic field and electric currents in the magnetosphere-ionosphere system. At high latitudes, the current systems most affected by the shocks are the auroral electrojet currents. These currents then generate ground geomagnetically induced currents that couple with and are highly detrimental to ground artificial conductors including power transmission lines, oil/gas pipelines, railways, and submarine cables. Recent research has shown that the shock impact angle, the angle the shock normal vector performs with the Sun-Earth line, plays a major role in controlling the subsequent geomagnetic activity. More specifically, due to more symmetric magnetospheric compressions, nearly frontal shocks are usually more geoeffective than highly inclined shocks. In this study, we utilize a subset (332 events) of a shock list with more than 600 events to investigate, for the first time, shock impact angle effects on the subsequent GICs right after shock impact (compression effects) and several minutes after shock impact (substorm-like effects). We use GIC recordings from the Finnish natural gas pipeline performed near the Mäntsälä compression station in southern Finland. We find that GIC peaks (> 5 A) occurring after shock impacts are mostly caused by nearly frontal shocks and occur in the post-noon/dusk magnetic local time sector. These GIC peaks are presumably triggered by partial ring current intensifications in the dusk sector. On the other hand, more intense GIC peaks (> 20 A) generally occur several minutes after shock impacts and are located around the magnetic midnight terminator. These GIC peaks are most likely caused by intense energetic particle injections from the magnetotail which frequently occur during substorms. The results of this work are relevant to studies aiming at predicting GICs following solar wind driving under different levels of asymmetric solar wind forcing.

Determination of long half-life radioisotopes by mass spectrometry techniques in NORM materials

This work proposes a new approach for the analysis of radionuclides in NORM-type solid materials included in a European-level intercomparison test (Environmental Radiation Monitoring, REM2020), provided by the Environmental Radiation Monitoring group of the Joint Research Centre (JRC). The measurement techniques employed are inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), using both quadrupole analyzer-equipped instruments (Q-ICP-MS) and high-resolution instruments with magnetic sector analyzer (HR-ICP-MS), and atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).Initially, the samples undergo microwave digestion using EPA methods adapted to the environmental matrix, yielding a nitric acid solution suitable for subsequent chemical analysis.Isotopes 40K, 235U, 238U, 230Th, and 232Th have been quantified due to their relevance from both radiological and environmental perspectives. An additional advantage of the proposed method is that besides determining concentrations and activities, it is also possible to ascertain the isotopic relationships of the radionuclides present in the samples, thereby determining whether the radiation originates from natural or anthropogenic sources.

Joule Heating rate at high-latitudes by Swarm and ground-based observations compared to MHD simulations

We compare Joule Heating rates as derived from ground-based magnetic field and all-sky camera data, from Low Earth Orbit satellite data (ESA Swarm) and from a MHD simulation (GUMICS-5) with each other in a case study of an auroral arc system. The observational estimates of Joule Heating rates provide information on regional scales and with high spatial resolution (10–100 km). Their comparison with global MHD results is conducted for a quiet time interval of a few minutes, just before a magnetic substorm. Analysis of the ground-based observations yields electric field with dominating North-South component pointing towards the arcs and having maxima values in the range 20–35 V/km. Combining these values with Pedersen conductance estimates from optical data (5–10 S) yields Joule Heating rates in the range 2.5–3.5 mW/m2. Swarm electric field measurements are consistent in their direction and intensity with the ground-based estimates. They also show that heating is increased particularly in the region where the conductance is low. The total amount of Joule heating in the area between the Swarm A and C satellite footprints while crossing the all-sky camera field of view is estimated to be 46 MW and the total amount energy dissipation during the 80 s overflight is around 3.6 GJ (1000 kWh). GUMICS-5 estimate of the peak Joule Heating in the magnetic local time sector of the arc system is smaller than that from the ground-based data with a factor of 2.9. Comparisons of GUMICS-5 results with Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF), shows that the latter gives on average larger heating rates being thus more consistent with our regional observations. However, both MHD-codes yield smaller Joule Heating rates around the time of the arcs and during the following substorm than the CTIP-e code. CTIP-e has a more detailed description of ionosphere-thermosphere interactions than the MHD-codes and its convection electric field is enhanced with a randomly varying additional component mimicking small scale structures. GUMICS-SWMF comparisons of global Joule Heating patterns in the Northern polar area reveal that the two simulations have significant differences in their spatial distribution of heating rates. Main cause for these deviations is the difference in the derivation of ionospheric Pedersen conductance. Our results emphasize the fact that future estimates of the global energetics in the magnetosphere–ionosphere–thermosphere system require better knowledge on ionospheric conductivities, both by new measurement concepts and by better understanding on the background physics controlling conductivity variations.

Factorial experimental design optimisation of adsorption process for removing chrome ion using crude biomass

ABSTRACT The pollution of water and the environment by heavy metals has recently increased dramatically, creating a severe environmental problem due to their non-biodegradability and high toxicity. Among these metals, we are interested in chromium (Cr), essential for human life but can be toxic in large quantities. It is vital to develop a simple, effective, and inexpensive method for its removal from aqueous media. This work aims to combine two aspects: environmental protection and waste recovery. We studied the adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) by biomass consisting of a mixture of walnut shells, pecan nuts, and peanuts. The ion was quantified using high-resolution magnetic sector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and several techniques characterised the raw adsorbent. To optimise the removal of Cr(VI), four factors were optimised using a 24-full factorial design, enabling us to determine the optimum adsorption conditions: a contact time of 360 min, an adsorbent mass of 30 mg, an initial ion concentration of 50 mg/L, and a pH of 6. The response efficiency Y (Qe) achieved its optimum at 58.47976 ± 4.168804 (mg/g), resulting in a maximum desirability of 0.957419. The adsorption phenomenon was studied kinetically, and it was found to follow the pseudo-first-order reaction (R 2 = 0.9894); concerning adsorption isotherms, the Freundlich isotherm proved to be the best (R 2 = 1). Overall, the present biosorbent demonstrates excellent capacity to remove Cr (VI) from water and can be used on a large scale.

Variability of the equatorial ionization anomaly over the South American sector: Effects of electric field and effective meridional wind

Vertical Total Electron Content (VTEC) Maps over the South American Continent were utilized to investigate the temporal and longitudinal climatology of Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) using more than 350 Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers. At a temporal resolution of 10 min, the EIA motions, morphologies, and evolutions were mapped using VTEC keogram along magnetic meridians lines. Between 2014 and 2019, characteristics of the EIA were studied at two different South American magnetic meridians (i.e., 3.36° E and 7.58° E) separated by ∼555 km at an altitude of 300 km. The aim of this study is to examine the EIA’s variability, monthly variations and occurrences at evenly spaced longitudinal sectors. The effects of effective meridional winds component and E × B drift velocity on the daytime asymmetry of EIA anomalies were studied using a physics-based numerical model, Sheffield University Plasmasphere-Ionosphere model at Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (SUPIM-INPE). We found that the EIA parameters such as strength, shape, intensity, and latitudinal positions are affected by the eastward electric field and effective meridional wind. The monthly variations in the EIA over two magnetic meridian sectors demonstrate a semiannual variation. The EIA crests were more symmetric in equinox than in solstice seasons. The asymmetries of the EIA observed during the December solstice are more intense than during the June solstice, whereas September equinox is less symmetric than March equinox seasons. Moreover, this study indicates that the vertical drift and the meridional neutral wind plays a very significant role in the development of the EIA asymmetry by transporting the plasma up the field lines. There was a notable contraction of the EIA southern hemispheric (SH) crests from the December solstice to the June solstice. Meanwhile, the EIA crest positions in the northern hemisphere (NH) expand from the December solstice to the June solstice. According to our observations, the March equinox season had the most EIA occurrences, which were then followed by the September equinox, the December and June solstices. The intensities of the EIA crests also considerably decreased with solar descending phases. Through modeling, this work provides the scientific community with new insights into the evolution/development of EIA and their latitudinal asymmetry, as well as the role of E × B drift and thermospheric neutral wind in assessing the statistical analysis of EIA variability using the largest VTEC database over the South American sector.

Target-oriented least-squares reverse time migration with Marchenko redatuming and double focusing: Field data application

Recently, the focus of reflection seismologists has shifted to applications for which a high-resolution image of the subsurface is required. Least-squares reverse time migration (LSRTM) is a common tool used to compute such images. Even so, its high computational costs have led seismologists to use target-oriented LSRTM for imaging only a small target of interest within a larger subsurface block. Redatuming the data to the upper boundary of the target of interest is one approach to target-oriented LSRTM, but many redatuming methods cannot account for multiple scattering within the overburden. We apply a target-oriented LSRTM algorithm that integrates Marchenko redatuming and double focusing to a field data set. This redatuming method accounts for all orders of multiple scattering in the overburden, thus improving the accuracy of target-oriented LSRTM. Moreover, we determine the effectiveness of a double-focusing algorithm in reducing the data size by decreasing spatial and temporal dimensions of the model and the data. The algorithm’s performance is evaluated using field data acquired in the Norwegian Sea. The numerical results indicate that the target-oriented LSRTM algorithm with Marchenko double-focusing can reduce the internal multiple effects and increase the resolution of the resulting image.

Global validation of data-assimilative electron ring current nowcast for space weather applications

The hazardous plasma environment surrounding Earth poses risks to satellites due to internal charging and surface charging effects. Accurate predictions of these risks are crucial for minimizing damage and preparing for system failures of satellites. To forecast the plasma environment, it is essential to know the current state of the system, as the accuracy of the forecast depends on the accuracy of the initial condition of the forecast. In this study, we use data assimilation techniques to combine observational data and model predictions, and present the first global validation of a data-assimilative electron ring current nowcast during a geomagnetic storm. By assimilating measurements from one satellite and validating the results against another satellite in a different magnetic local time sector, we assess the global response and effectiveness of the data assimilation technique for space weather applications. Using this method, we found that the simulation accuracy can be drastically improved at times when observations are available while eliminating almost all of the bias previously present in the model. These findings contribute to the construction of improved operational models in estimating surface charging risks and providing realistic ’source’ populations for radiation belt simulations.