Ne Peak Research Articles

Post-midnight irregularities in equator and its adjacent regions of topside ionosphere obtained by the CSES satellite

The post-midnight irregularities in equator and its adjcent regions, which have remained least explored so far, are investigated using the in situ electron density (Ne) measurements from 2019 to 2021 obtained by the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES) in the topside ionosphere. The followings are salient points of our findings: 1) Equatorial and low latitude post-midnight irregularities are distributed along the dip equator, exhibiting a wavenumber 4 longitude variation pattern and a seasonal variation pattern characterized by peaks in summer and winter and valleys in spring and autumn during low solar activity (LSA) period in the topside ionosphere, 2) The longitude variation pattern of post-midnight irregularities aligns with that of the background Ne, with irregularities concentrated at the peaks of background Ne, 3) The occurrence rate of post-midnight irregularities increases significantly with higher solar flux, which can be attributed to the rapid increase in the background Ne under LSA conditions. Additionally, the growth rate of occurrence rate varies across different longitudes, with the Pacific and the Atlantic longitudes standing out as prominent regions, and 4) Post-midnight irregularities in the topside ionosphere may have two possible origins. One is irregularities generated at the lower altitudes that drift upward into the topside ionosphere, while the other is the irregularities generated directly in the topside ionosphere. The latter is supported by the presence of conditions conducive to irregularity generation in the topside ionosphere during midnight hours in LSA period. Given the scarcity of research on post-midnight irregularity compared to post-sunset irregularity, further investigations are essential to fully comprehend their generation mechanisms. The abundance of post-midnight Ne measurements from the CSES satellite offers a valuable opportunity for this research, which can enhance our understanding of post-midnight ionospheric dynamics, and their variations with solar activity.

Variation of Electron Density in the D-Region Using Kunming MF Radar under Low Solar Activity

So far, the least is known about the D-region ionosphere out of the entire ionosphere due to the lack of a conventional detecting method and continuous data accumulation. Medium frequency (MF) radar is an important conventional tool for understanding the D-region ionosphere by measuring the electron density (Ne) within the height range of 60–90 km. To investigate the statistical variation of the D-region, especially at the mid-low latitude area, this study presents the statistical variations in the D-region Ne with the solar zenith angle (SZA), season, and altitude observed by Kunming MF radar (25.6° N, 103.8° E) under low solar activity (2008–2009). The diurnal variation of Ne behaves like typical diurnal changes, which are closely consistent with the SZA. The outstanding feature, the diurnal asymmetry phenomenon, significantly appears in different seasons and at different altitudes. The Ne has obvious semi-annual characteristics, and is larger in summer and fall and the smallest in winter. Compared to other seasons, the variation in the Ne with altitude is the most stable in summer. Due to the impacts of the highest SZA, the value of Ne in winter is the smallest, with a maximum value of less than 300 electrons/cm3, and the largest in summer and fall, with a maximum of 472 electrons/cm3. Particularly, the peaks of Ne above 76 km do not always appear at the time when the SZA is the smallest (at noon). Both the simulations by the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI2016) and observations using MF radar present a strong positive correlation with solar radiation. Meanwhile, it cannot be ignored that there were still large differences between the simulations and observations. To quantitatively analyze the differences between the observations and simulations, the observed value was subtracted from the simulated value. The results show that the maximum value between them was up to 350 electrons/cm3, and the minimum difference appeared at around 72 km, with a value less than 100 electrons/cm3. However, below 66 km, the observations were larger than the simulations, which were, on the contrary, above 76 km.

Structure of the High-Latitude Noon Ionosphere of the Southern Hemisphere

The structure of the winter noon ionosphere of the southern hemisphere was studied. This structure includes the dayside cusp, associated high-latitude ionospheric trough (HLT), main ionospheric trough (MIT), electron density (Ne) peak at latitudes about 70°, mid-latitude ring ionospheric trough (RIT), and low-latitude quasi-trough. Data from the CHAMP satellite in the southern hemisphere for quiet geomagnetic conditions under high solar activity were selected for analysis. The DMSP satellite data and a model of auroral diffuse precipitation were also used. This model represents two zones of auroral diffuse precipitation on the equatorward and poleward edges of the auroral oval. It is shown that the situation in the winter noon ionosphere of the southern hemisphere depends cardinally on longitude. At sunlit longitudes, only the HLT is observed, and MIT is formed in the shadow region. At intermediate longitudes, both troughs can be observed and, therefore, there is a problem of their separation. The positions of all structures of the ionosphere depend on the longitude; in particular, the positions of the daytime MIT are changed by 6°−7°. At latitudes of the dayside cusp, both the peak and the minimum of Ne can be observed. A high and narrow peak of Ne is regularly recorded in the CHAMP data at latitudes of the equatorward zone of diffuse precipitation (68°−72°). In the shadow region, this peak forms the MIT poleward wall, and at sunlit longitudes a quasi-trough equatorward of this peak is sometimes observed. The RIT is rarely formed during the day, only at the American and Atlantic longitudes.

Investigation of the Post‐Sunset Extra Electron Density Peak Poleward of the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly Southern Crest

AbstractThe Global‐scale observation of limb and disk mission observed an extra electron density (Ne) peak after sunset at approximately 30°S near 40°W on 4 November 2019, which is poleward and immediately next to the southern equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest. This Ne peak is different from previously reported mid‐latitude peaks that occur at all local times. The Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model‐eXtended captures this phenomenon. Model diagnostic analysis reveals that the decrease of Ne and hmF2 between 15° and 25°S makes Ne near 30°S appear as an extra density peak relative to the southern EIA crest. Transport by poleward meridional wind decreases Ne between 15° and 25°S. Moreover, the upward E × B drifts due to pre‐reversal enhancement lift the plasma between the dip equator and 15°S but do not affect Ne much between 15° and 25°S with a low drift speed. Comparison with days without the extra peak shows the importance of E × B drift latitudinal variations on the extra peak formation. This study provides new insights into the dynamic variability of the nighttime ionosphere.

The Ionospheric Responses from Satellite Observations within Middle Latitudes to the Strong Magnetic Storm on 25–26 August 2018

The multi observations from the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES) were presented and analyzed during the biggest magnetic storm on 25–26 August in the quiet solar activity year of 2018, together with the Swarm satellite and GNSS TEC (Global Navigation Satellite System, Total Electron Content). The whole tempo-spatial evolutional process was demonstrated in electromagnetic fields and in-situ plasma parameters within the whole magnetic storm time period of three phases, the main phase with quick decrease in SYM-H, the quick recovery phase, and the slow recovery phase. Strong correlations were revealed in time and space between electric fields and electron density. During the main phase, the penetrated electric field was the major factor to induce the injection of electric fields to low latitudes even to the equator and contribute to constructing the double peaks of Ne at altitudes above 500 km of CSES in daytime. In the quick recovery phase, Ne depletion was found in low middle and low latitudes in the daytime, associated with a quick decrease in solar wind dynamic pressure, but in the nightside Ne maintained or increased. Due to the high solar wind speed following the quick recovery phase, it controlled the enhancements in an electric field below 1125 Hz at medium and low latitudes in daytime and produced similar structures in a 225 Hz electric field with the mid-latitude trough of Ne in local nighttime and maintained their equator-ward movements in this time period. Ne/TEC showed typical local time-dependence in this magnetic storm, which illustrated that although the electron density in the ionosphere was mainly caused by this solar activity event, local background environments must also not be ignored for their final evolutional modes.

A spectral study on the plume induced by femtosecond laser ablation of lithium niobate in vacuum

The plasma plume induced by femtosecond laser ablation of lithium niobate in vacuum is studied by spectroscopy. The spectra of the plasma plume consist of a continuous spectrum and four apparent spectral lines. The spectral intensity varies with the distance from sample's surface. The peak of continuous spectral intensity is at a distance of z = 0.4 mm, while there are two peaks for spectral lines, which are at z = 0.4 mm and z = 0.8 mm respectively. After deconvoluted by a Gaussian function with a FWHM of 0.5 nm, the spectral lines are well fitted by the Voigt function. The electron density Ne and the electron temperature Te are respectively derived by using Stark-broadening method and Boltzmann plot method. It is surprising that the peaks of Ne and Te of plasma plume are at z = 0.4 mm and z = 0.8 mm respectively, which is consistent with the intensity peaks of spectra. A two-flows model is introduced as a possible explanation for the formation mechanism of the plasma plume. The electron cloud with a high speed, which is ejected firstly, pulls the nonequilibrium ion plume to accelerate and encounters the ion plume at z = 0.8 mm, forming the plasma plume with the highest temperature. The dynamics of nonequilibrium plume near the surface is deduced to be responsible for the surprising phenomenon.

The Height‐Dependent Delayed Ionospheric Response to Solar EUV

AbstractBased on the analysis of electron density Ne profiles (Grahamstown ionosonde), a case study of the height‐dependent ionospheric response to two 27‐day solar rotation periods in 2019 is performed. A well‐defined sinusoidal response is observed for the period from 27 April 2019 to 24 May 2019 and reproduced with a Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model simulation. The occurring differences between model and observations as well as the driving physical and chemical processes are discussed based on the height‐dependent variations of Ne and major species. Further simulations with an artificial noise free sinusoidal solar flux input show that the Ne delay is defined by contributions due to accumulation of O+ at the Ne peak (positive delay) and continuous loss of in the lower ionosphere (negative delay). The neutral parts' 27‐day signatures show stronger phase shifts. The time‐dependent and height‐dependent impact of the processes responsible for the delayed ionospheric response can therefore be described by a joint analysis of the neutral and ionized parts. The return to the initial ionospheric state (and thus the loss of the accumulated O+) is driven by an increase of downward transport in the second half of the 27‐day solar rotation period. For this reason, the neutral vertical winds (upwards and downwards) and their different height‐dependent 27‐day signatures are discussed. Finally, the importance of a wavelength‐dependent analysis, statistical methods (superposed epoch analysis), and coupling with the middle atmosphere is discussed to outline steps for future analysis.

Vertical characterization on global ionospheric variations during the magnetic storm in September 2017 with hierarchical subtraction method

This study investigates the global ionospheric responses at different altitudes during the geomagnetic storm in September 2017 by using the observations from IGS GIMs and GRACE, TerraSAR-X, COSMIC, Metop LEO satellite missions. According to different satellite heights, a hierarchical subtraction method is proposed to characterize the disturbance of total electron content (TEC) at the vertical regions of below 340 km , 340 ∼ 520 km , 520 ∼ 800 km and above 800 km , respectively. The integrated TEC from IRI-Plas2017 are applied to verify the feasibility and rationality of the proposed method and the electron density (Ne) profiles from the ionosonde and radio occultation (RO) measurements are used to explore the variations of Ne in different height regions. The resulting TEC disturbances ( Δ TEC) on a global scale show that: 1) There was significant increase on Ne peak in F2 region during the magnetic storm, due to the strong recombination in the lower ionosphere while more intense electron ionization in the upper ionosphere; 2) During the main phase, TEC enhancement had a tendency to drift westward, which may correlate with the twice Dst minimums. 3) The east–west and north–south hemispheric asymmetry of Δ TEC exist simultaneously in this magnetic storm. However, the former is mainly attributed to ionospheric plasma bubbles, while the latter might be the seasonal thermospheric effects or the energetic particle emissions.

Experimental and numerical investigations of the characteristics of electron density in O2/Ar pulsed planar-coil-driven inductively coupled plasmas

The characteristics of electron density (ne) in pulsed inductively coupled O2/Ar plasmas are investigated by means of a time-resolved hairpin probe and a two-dimensional (2D) hybrid model. A decrease in ne is found at the beginning of active-glow in the discharges with high pulse frequencies (i.e., 2 and 5 kHz with 50% duty cycle). The period of this ne decrement becomes shorter when decreasing the pulse frequency (i.e., 22 μs for 5 kHz but 11.5 μs for 2 kHz in the experimental results), and it finally becomes zero in 1 kHz discharge. Combined with the 2D hybrid model, the decrease in ne can be attributed to (i) the large consumption rate of electrons [mainly via the dissociative attachment of O2, O2(a1Δg), and O2M to generate O−] at the probe position and (ii) the axial electron flux toward the coils that arises at the start of active-glow. Also, hardly any of the high-energy electrons that are generated near the coils reach the probe position (P1) because of their short electron energy relaxation length (smaller than the reactor length L = 10 cm). Consequently, electron generation via ionization becomes unimportant at P1, and therefore, the increase in electron density during active-glow is dominated by the axial electron flux (toward the substrate). However, the temporal variation of electron density at P2 (close to the coils) differs greatly from that at P1 because the ionization processes dominate the electron generation during active-glow. The formation of the ne peak after the power is turned off can be attributed to the detachment of O−.

Motor Preparation of Step Initiation: Error-related Cortical Oscillations

Gait initiation can vary as a function of the available and engaged attentional resources. Conflict resolution can disrupt movement preparation and lead to “errors” in motor programming. These “errors” are physiologically useful by enabling us to adapt our motor behavior to situations with conflicting information. The objective of the present study was to analyze the patterns of cortical activation associated with motor programming errors and the corresponding error corrections.Incongruent flankers around a target arrow were used to trigger errors in anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) prior to gait initiation; i.e. perturbed motor programming but normal execution. Thirty healthy adults performed a gait initiation task. The event-related potentials (ERPs) and event-related desynchronization (ERD) after target presentation were analyzed according to the presence or absence of an APA error.The ERP was similar in both conditions, except that the Ne and P300 peak latencies were longer for APA errors. Motor programming errors during gait initiation were characterized by longer, less intense low-beta-band ERD over the sensorimotor cortex and alpha ERS followed by stronger alpha ERD during errors.APA errors were associated with a specific alpha/beta oscillation profile over the sensorimotor cortex; these beta oscillations might be sensitive markers of non-conscious motor error and correction monitoring.

Electron and ion kinetics in three-dimensional confined microwave-induced microplasmas at low gas pressures

The effects of the gas pressure (pg), microcavity height (t), Au vapor addition, and microwave frequency on the properties of three-dimensional confined microwave-induced microplasmas were discussed in light of simulation results of a glow microdischarge in a three-dimensional microcavity (diameter dh = 1000 μm) driven at constant voltage loading on the drive electrode (Vrf) of 180 V. The simulation was performed using the PIC/MCC method, whose results were experimentally verified. In all the cases we investigated in this study, the microplasmas were in the γ-mode. When pg increased, the maximum electron (ne) or ion density (nAr+) distributions turned narrow and close to the discharge gap due to the decrease in the mean free path of the secondary electron emission (SEE) electrons (λSEE-e). The peak ne and nAr+ were not a monotonic function of pg, resulting from the two conflicting effects of pg on ne and nAr+. The impact of ions on the electrode was enhanced when pg increased. This was determined after comparing the results of ion energy distribution function (IEDFs) at various pg. The effects of t on the peaks and distributions of ne and nAr+ were negligible in the range of t from 1.0 to 3.0 mm. The minimum t of 0.6 mm for a steady glow discharge was predicted for pg of 800 Pa and Vrf of 180 V. The Au vapor addition increased the peaks of ne and nAr+, due to the lower ionization voltage of Au atom. The acceleration of ions in the sheaths was intensified with the addition of Au vapor because of the increased potential difference in the sheath at the drive electrode.

Dayside electron temperature and density profiles at Mars: First results from the MAVEN Langmuir probe and waves instrument

AbstractWe present Mars' electron temperature (Te) and density (ne) altitude profiles derived from the MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission deep dip orbits in April 2015, as measured by the Langmuir probe instrument. These orbits had periapsides below 130 km in altitude at low solar zenith angles. The periapsides were above the peak in ne during this period. Using a Chapman function fit, we find that scale height and projected altitude of the ne peak are consistent with models and previous measurements. The peak electron density is slightly higher than earlier works. For the first time, we present in situ measurements of Te altitude profiles in Mars' dayside in the altitude range from ~130 km to 500 km and provide a functional fit. Importantly, Te rises rapidly with altitude from ~180 km to ~300 km. These results and functional fit are important for modeling Mars' ionosphere and understanding atmospheric escape.

Ionospheric precursors of the intensification of isolated tropical cyclones according to the IKB-1300 and Cosmos-1809 satellite data

The ionospheric parameters were analyzed, which made it possible to distinguish several successive stages in the development of isolated tropical cyclones (TCs). Data were taken from the Cosmos-1809 and Intercosmos Bulgaria-1300 satellites, which passed over several dozen TCs. The first stage of TC development consists of a sharp increase in altitudinal substorm activity caused by a tropical disturbance and depression. During this stage, plasma density caverns extending over several hundreds of kilometers are observed in the nighttime upper ionosphere a day before the formation of a tropical storm or even a category-I hurricane. The second stage, typical of TCs with intensities reaching categories I and II, is the displacement of a wide plasma density maximum in the upper ionosphere from the geomagnetic equator into the region, the center of which along the geomagnetic field line is projected to 200–230 km altitudes at a TC latitude. The third stage, which is typical of TC categories III–V, consists of the formation of an additional Ne peak (with a width reaching 1000 km) near the TC zenith. This peak includes ΔNe disturbances and is accompanied by electrostatic oscillations at the H+ and He+ cyclotron frequencies and at the lower hybrid resonance frequency and by electric fields that are projected into the magnetically conjugate region. The crossing of New Caledonia by the category-IV TC Harry was considered in detail. It was shown that the neutral particle ascending jet probably deviated along the meridian in this case.

Downstream plasma transport and metal ionization in a high-powered pulsed-plasma magnetron

Downstream plasma transport and ionization processes in a high-powered pulsed-plasma magnetron were studied. The temporal evolution and spatial distribution of electron density (ne) and temperature (Te) were characterized with a 3D scanning triple Langmuir probe. Plasma expanded from the racetrack region into the downstream region, where a high ne peak was formed some time into the pulse-off period. The expansion speed and directionality towards the substrate increased with a stronger magnetic field (B), largely as a consequence of a larger potential drop in the bulk plasma region during a relatively slower sheath formation. The fraction of Cu ions in the deposition flux was measured on the substrate using a gridded energy analyzer. It increased with higher pulse voltage. With increased B field from 200 to 800 Gauss above racetrack, ne increased but the Cu ion fraction decreased from 42% to 16%. A comprehensive model was built, including the diffusion of as-sputtered Cu flux, the Cu ionization in the entire plasma region using the mapped ne and Te data, and ion extraction efficiency based on the measured plasma potential (Vp) distribution. The calculations matched the measurements and indicated the main causes of lower Cu ion fractions in stronger B fields to be the lower Te and inefficient ion extraction in a larger pre-sheath potential.

Voltammetric determination of norepinephrine in the presence of acetaminophen using a novel ionic liquid/multiwall carbon nanotubes paste electrode

A novel multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) was fabricated and used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of norepinephrine (NP). MWCNTs/CILE was prepared by mixing hydrophilic ionic liquid, 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium bromide (MBIDZBr), with graphite powder, MWCNTs, and liquid paraffin. The fabricated MWCNTs/CILE showed great electrocatalytic ability to the oxidation of NE. The electron transfer coefficient, diffusion coefficient, and charge transfer resistant (Rct) of NE at the modified electrode were calculated. Differential pulse voltammetry of NE at the modified electrode exhibited two linear dynamic ranges with slopes of 0.0841 and 0.0231μA/μM in the concentration ranges of 0.3 to 30.0μM and 30.0 to 450.0μM, respectively. The detection limit (3σ) of 0.09μM NP was achieved. This modified electrode exhibited a good ability for well separated oxidation peaks of NE and acetaminophen (AC) in a buffer solution, pH 7.0. The proposed sensor was successfully applied for the determination of NE in human urine, pharmaceutical, and serum samples.

Correlation between electron density and temperature in the topside ionosphere

[1] The correlation between the electron temperature (Te) and electron density (Ne) at 600 km height at magnetic dip latitudes (MLat) less than about ±40° measured by the Hinotori satellite from February 1981 to June 1982 is presented. The results show the well-known negative correlation between daytime Ne and Te when Ne is low. However, when the daytime Ne is significantly high (>106 cm−3), the correlation turns positive irrespective of latitude, longitude, season, solar flux levels, and magnetic activity levels. The positive correlation is most clear during 1100–1500 local time and around the magnetic dip equator (∣MLat∣ < 10°) where high values of Ne with high Te are most abundant. Te also increases with increasing MLat in the same Ne range. Since the cooling through Coulomb collisions increases with the increase of Ne, the results suggest that an additional heat source(s) is involved for the positive correlation between Ne and Te. The additional heat source seems to be related to the integrated Ne along the magnetic field lines from the ground to 600 km altitude in one hemisphere, which is found to decrease with increasing MLat. Although the mechanism for the positive correlation is not well understood, the results imply that the Te in the topside ionosphere is controlled more by the integrated Ne than by in situ Ne or F2 peak Ne.

Numerical Simulation of Electron Transport in Electric and Magnetic Fields for Analysis of Electron Temperature and Number Density Profiles Measured in Argon Magnetic Neutral Loop Discharge Plasma

A Monte Carlo simulation of electron transport in electric and magnetic fields was performed to analyze experimental data of the electron temperature Te and electron number density ne measured in a magnetic neutral loop discharge (NLD) plasma driven in Ar at 0.13 Pa. Te and ne in the vicinity of the substrate holder were measured with a triple probe, and their radial profiles had peaks at different radial positions. The simulation reproduced these peak positions well under the chosen boundary condition that the electron reflectivity of the side wall was lower than that of the reactor ceiling and the substrate holder. It was explained that the Te peak was formed by high-energy electrons transported from the neutral loop along a separatrix of the quadrupole magnetic field and that the ne peak consisted of electrons undergoing reciprocating motion between the reactor ceiling and the substrate.

Climatological features of electron density in the polar ionosphere from long-term observations of EISCAT/ESR radar

Abstract. In this paper, climatological features of the polar F2-region electron density (Ne) are investigated by means of statistical analysis using long-term observations from the European Incoherent Scatter UHF radar (called EISCAT in the following) and the EISCAT Svalbard radar (ESR) during periods of quiet to moderate geomagnetic activity. Field-aligned measurements by the EISCAT and ESR radars operating in CP-1 and CP-2 modes are used in this study, covering the years 1988–1999 for EISCAT and 1999–2003 for ESR. The data are sorted by season (equinox, summer and winter) and solar cycle phase (maximum, minimum, rising and falling). Some novel and interesting results are presented as follows: (1) The well-known winter anomaly is evident during the solar maximum at EISCAT, but it dies out at the latitude of the ESR; (2) The daytime peaks of Ne at EISCAT for all seasons during solar maximum lag about 1–2 h behind those at ESR, with altitudes about 10–30 km lower. (3) In addition to the daytime peak, it is revealed that there is another peak just before magnetic midnight at ESR around solar maximum, especially in winter and at equinox. The day-time ionization peak around magnetic noon observed by ESR can be attributed to soft particle precipitation in the cusp region, whereas the pre-midnight Ne maximum seems likely to be closely related to substorm events which frequently break out during that time sector, in particular for the winter case. (4) Semiannual variations are found at EISCAT during solar minimum and the falling phase of the solar cycle; at the rising phase, however, the EISCAT observations show no obvious seasonal variations.

Abundance and distribution of Calanus finmarchicus on the Georges Bank during 1995 and 1996

Depth-stratified zooplankton samples were collected from the Georges Bank with a plankton pump and a 1 m 2 MOCNESS during 1995 and 1996 as part of the US GLOBEC Georges Bank program. All development stages of Calanus finmarchicus were enumerated. During both years, recruitment of C. finmarchicus began in late December/early January in the southern Gulf of Maine, with the G1 generation being advected onto the northern edge of the Georges Bank. This winter generation spread across the bank, reaching the S Flank by March. It immediately began to mature, replacing adults of the G0 generation. Because of the prolonged period that the G0 population was present, there was a considerable overlap of G1 and subsequent generations. Nauplii were at a minimum during May throughout the region during both years. A large increase in numbers of nauplii was observed on the NE Peak and the S Flank of the Georges Bank during June 1995, but only on the S Flank during June 1996. The decline in abundance of nauplii in this region during May might have been due to food limitation of reproduction. On the Crest, numbers of C. finmarchicus declined following the March-April peak, reaching very low levels during June of both years. This appears to be in response to high levels of predation and isolation of the waters of the Crest as the tidal-mixing front strengthens. The development of the G1 generation on the Georges Bank was earlier in 1995 than during 1996, but the peak abundance was greater during 1996. Mean temperatures on the Georges Bank were about 1°C colder during winter 1996, and the delay in development and larger numbers of peaks that year are consistent with the effects of the colder temperatures on development.

Effect of the Intercalation of Ne on Electronic Properties of C60 Solids

The intercalation of Ne in C60 solids has been studied. Gas effusion spectrum of C60 powder exposed to Ne at 100°C, three evolution peaks of Ne are found near 100, 200 and 250°C. Electrical resistivity of a C60 film increases by the exposure to Ne at 100°C. Electron spin density of a C60 film does not vary by the exposure to Ne. The intercalation of Ne and its effect on electronic properties of C60 solids are discussed.