Abstract
THE theory of the propagation of electromagnetic waves in the ionised upper atmosphere of the earth, as influenced by the earth's magnetic field, has been developed by Appleton1, Hartree2, Goldstein3 and others. Investigations on the magnetic splitting and polarisation of radio waves returned from ionospheric layers have confirmed this so-called magneto-ionic theory. Laboratory experiments have also been carried out in this connexion. Benner4, for example, has shown that at the approach of the critical value of the magnetic field (He/mc = the angular frequency of the incident waves), the values of the refractive index and the conductivity of a space containing free electrons change abruptly. Similar observations have been made by H. Gutton5, and by Jonescue and Mihul6. Appleton and Childs have shown7 that at this value the absorption of waves is greatly increased.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
E. V. Appletou, J. Inst. Elec. Eng., 71, 642 (1932).
D. R. Hartree, Proc. Camb. Phil Soc., 27, 143 (1931).
S. Goldstein, Proc. Roy. Soc., A, 121, 259 (1928).
S. Benner, Naturwiss., 17, 120 (1929).
H. Gutton, Ann. Physique, 13, 62 (1930).
V. Jonescu and C. Mihul, J. Phys., 6, 35 (1935).
E. V. Appleton and E. C. Childs, Phil. Mag., 10, 982 (1930).
P. Keck, Ann. Physik, 15, 903 (1932).
S. K. Mitra and S. S. Banerjee, NATURE, 136, 512 (1935).
S. S. Banerjee, Phil Mag., 19, 787 (1935).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MITRA, S., GHOSH, A. Experimental Investigation on the Magnetic Double Refraction of Ionised Air. Nature 137, 68–69 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1038/137068b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/137068b0
- Springer Nature Limited