Neutral Atom Imaging Model for Dynamic Auroral Substorm Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neutral atom imaging technology is limited by a large inclination angle of the measurement orbit, making it impossible to dynamically monitor auroral substorm processes effectively.

Innovation Solution

An auroral substorm simulation method and dynamic model based on neutral atom imaging measurement, which includes establishing a neutral atom imaging simulation equation for dynamic evolution of ion flux distribution of a ring current guided by ion pitch angle diffusion, and using this equation to forward model neutral atom simulation images in the ecliptic plane, reproducing ring current ion flux distribution patterns during different phases of an auroral substorm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a large inclination angle orbit is used for neutral atom imaging measurement, then the measurement can cover high-latitude regions, but it becomes impossible to implement dynamic monitoring of auroral substorm processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverage areaVSAvoiddynamic monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the orbital inclination angle parameter from a large value to a small value (ecliptic plane orbit), which fundamentally alters the measurement geometry. This parameter change enables the satellite to continuously monitor the auroral zone during substorm events while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the global nature of ENA imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from localized in-situ measurements to global remote sensing imaging, adding a spatial dimension to the observation. By using ENA imaging that captures the entire auroral zone simultaneously, the system achieves both wide coverage and dynamic monitoring capability that was impossible with previous orbital configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If in-situ measurement is used, then local plasma parameters can be obtained, but a global view of space plasma distribution is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal plasma measurement accuracyVSAvoidglobal plasma distribution coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses ENA (energetic neutral atoms) as tracers that carry information about the parent ion population. By measuring ENA flux and distribution, the system creates a remote copy of the ion plasma distribution in the auroral zone, achieving global coverage while preserving the essential plasma parameters through the charge exchange process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces ENA as an intermediary between the trapped ions and the detector. The ENA acts as a messenger that transports information from the inaccessible magnetospheric plasma to the measurement instrument, enabling global observations without requiring direct contact with the plasma

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method allows for dynamic monitoring and simulation of auroral substorm processes, enabling the evaluation of acceleration mechanisms and the prediction of continuous substorms by reproducing ion flux distribution patterns and monitoring energetic neutral atom flux changes.

Implementation Method 1

uses tracer particle properties of ENAs (Energy Neutral Atoms) to visualize space plasma distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge exchange:

Implementation Method 2

establishing a neutral atom imaging simulation equation for dynamic evolution of ion flux distribution of a ring current guided by ion pitch angle diffusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPitch angle diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20250029821A1Auroral substorm simulation method and dynamic model based on neutral atom imaging measurement

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 NAT SPACE SCI CENT CAS

AI summary

The present invention relates to the technical field of geomagnetic activities, and in particular to an auroral substorm simulation method and macroscopic model based on neutral atom imaging measurement. The method includes the following steps: establishing a neutral atom imaging simulation equation for dynamic evolution of ion flux distribution of a ring current guided by ion pitch angle diffusion; and using the neutral atom imaging simulation equation, forward modeling neutral atom simulation images in an ecliptic plane corresponding to different ion pitch angle distribution functions during a geomagnetically quiet period and during an auroral substorm period to reproduce ring current ion flux distribution patterns in a growth phase stage and a recovery phase stage of an auroral substorm process. The present invention can emulate and reproduce ring current ion flux distribution patterns in a growth phase stage and a recovery phase stage of an auroral substorm process, which lays a foundation for further research.