Quasi-thermal Noise Spectroscopy Analysis of Parker Solar Probe Data: Improved Electron Density Model for Solar Wind

Abstract

We present a comprehensive analysis of electron density measurements in the solar wind using quasi-thermal noise (QTN) spectroscopy applied to data from the first 15 encounters of the Parker Solar Probe mission (2018 November–2023 March). Our methodology involves the identification of the plasma line frequency and the calculation of plasma density based on in situ measurements. By analyzing over 2.1 million data points, we derive a power-law model for electron density as a function of radial distance from the Sun in the range of 13 to 50 R _☉ : n _e ( r ) = (343,466 ± 19921) × r ^(−1.87±0.11) . This model provides improved estimates for localizing interplanetary solar radio bursts. Moreover, obtained electron densities can be used for calibrating particle instruments on board the Parker Solar Probe. We discuss its limitations and potential for further refinement with additional Parker Solar Probe encounters.

Keywords

• Solar wind
• Space plasmas
• Radio spectroscopy