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The activities within the IRF Research
Programme 'Physics in Space' (PHISP) focus on the study of the basic
small- and large-scale processes and fundamental physical principles
which control the Earth's interaction with its space environment. Of
particular interest are linear and non-linear dynamical processes
involving waves, radiation, turbulence, solitons, cavitons, alfveons,
hybrons, striations and other structures in space plasma and the
associated exchange of energy, linear momentum, and angular momentum between
plasma and radiation.
Adopting a holistic point of view, where
space is seen both as a natural laboratory without walls and as an
object of study in itself, we try to enhance and widen the basis of our
knowledge of the world around us. Systematic observations of space are
compared with results obtained from theoretical research and numerical
simulations carried out on clusters of supercomputers. In the
experiments we use a combination of world-wide ground-based research
infrastructures and instrumentation onboard satellites and other
spacecraft.
Our work also includes the development of
new instrumentation and experiment methodology based on modern
fundamental physics. We have a long experience in designing and
building very advanced instruments. Already in 1983 we built our first
generation software
defined radio (SDR) system for new types of radio studies of space.
We are now (2010) into our eighth generation, with a fully vector
sensing digtal sensor system that allows a complete
characterisation and control of all parameters in an
electromagnetic radio beam, including its energy, momentum, polarisation
and angular momentum.
Additionally, we are involved in teaching and
supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, and public outreach
activities.
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