Influence of suprathermal background electrons on strong auroral double layers: Observations

This study examines the properties and evolution of strong, laminar double layers in the downward current region of the aurora and present several previously unpublished events from the Fast Auroral SnapshoT (FAST) satellite. Analysis of an event is presented for which the FAST satellite appears to have dwelled on the high-potential side (high-altitude side) of a double layer for an extended period, suggesting that a small (few percent of density) background of suprathermal electrons can strongly influence the structure and stability of double layers. From these observations, it is inferred that the accelerated electrons can be accelerated by either of two classes of double layers: (1) self-regulated double layers (varying field-aligned potential, with weak or no suprathermal electron background) or (2) externally regulated double layers (less variable field-aligned potential, with significant suprathermal electron background). Elements of the interpretation presented here are supported by numerical simulations, as reported in two accompanying papers. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.