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Time-varying plasma currents associated with low-frequency whistlers have been investigated experimentally. Pulsed currents are induced in the uniform, boundary-free interior of a large laboratory plasma by means of insulated magnetic antennas. The time-varying magnetic field is measured in three dimensions and the current density is calculated from R∇×B(r,t)=μ0J, where J includes the displacement current density. Typical fields B(r,t) and J(r,t) induced by a magnetic loop antenna show three-dimensional helices due to linked toroidal and solenoidal field topologies. Constant amplitude and phase surfaces assume conical shapes since the propagation speed along B0 is higher than oblique to B0. The wave vector is highly oblique to B0 while the energy flow is mainly along B0. The electric field in the wave packet contains both inductive and space-charge contributions, the latter arising from the different dynamics of electrons and ions as explained by physical arguments. The dominant electric field in a whistler packet is a radial space-charge field. Neither the field topology nor the propagation characteristics are sensitive to the induced magnetic field amplitude up to Bwave≲B0. The results are relevant to both the basic properties of whistlers and to applications such as large loop antennas and electrodynamic tethers in space plasmas.

A low frequency, oblique whistler wave packet is excited from a single current pulse applied to a magnetic loop antenna. The magnetic field is mapped in three dimensions. The dominant angle of radiation is determined by the antenna dimensions, not by the resonance cone. Topological properties of the inductive and space charge electric fields and space charge density confirm an earlier physical model. Transverse currents are dominated by Hall currents, while no net current flows in the parallel direction. Electron-ion collisions damp both the energy and the helicity of the wave packet. Landau damping is negligible. The radiation resistance of the loop is a few tenths of an Ohm for the observed frequency range. The loop injects zero net helicity. Rather, oppositely traveling wave packets carry equal amounts of opposite signed helicity.

The transport of time-dependent current between electrodes in contact with a large laboratory magnetoplasma is examined experimentally. Single electrodes biased with respect to the chamber wall or pairs of electrically floating electrodes are used to produce pulsed currents (ωci≪2π/Δt≪ωce). The associated magnetic field vector, B(r,t), is measured in space and time, and the total current density is calculated from J(r,t)=∇×B(r,t)/μ0. The current front is found to propagate at a characteristic wave speed, which does not depend on current amplitude or polarity. The transient current spreads across B0 within a conical region, which depends on source geometry and plasma parameters. It is shown by Fourier transforming B(r,t) into B(k,ω) that the transient fields consist of a spectrum of oblique low-frequency whistler waves. In Fourier space, the inductive and space charge electric fields are calculated from Faraday’s law and the assumption that Etot=Eind+Esc along B0 is negligible. Inverse transforming yields E(r,t). The transient wave fields (B,J,E) exhibit multiple induction effects and the formation of space charges. The results are relevant to pulsed Langmuir probes, beams, and antennas as well as moving steady-state magnetic/current sources such as particle collectors on spacecraft and magnetized asteroids (e.g., Gaspra).

Electromagnetic properties of current pulses carried by whistler wave packets are obtained from a basic laboratory experiment. While the magnetic field and current density are described in the preceding companion paper (Part III), the present analysis starts with the electric field. The inductive and space charge electric field contributions are separately calculated in Fourier space from the measured magnetic field and Ohm’s law along B0. Inverse Fourier transformation yields the total electric field in space and time, separated into rotational and divergent contributions. The space-charge density in whistler wave packets is obtained. The cross-field tensor conductivity is determined. The frozen-in condition is nearly satisfied, E+ve×B≂0. The dissipation is obtained from Poynting’s theorem. The waves are collisionally damped; Landau damping is negligible. A radiation resistance for the electrode is determined. Analogous to Poynting’s theorem, the transport of helicity is analyzed. Current helicity is generated by a flow of helicity between pulses traveling in opposite directions which carry opposite signs of helicity. Helicity is dissipated by collisions. These observations complete a detailed description of whistler/current pulses which can occur in various laboratory and space plasmas.