Frequency analysis of low-frequency field fluctuations detected by satellites

Earth-orbiting satellites carrying magnetic and/or electric field sensors frequently detect field fluctuations in the sub-Hz range. The fluctuations (sometimes referred to as pulsations) are caused by a number of processes inside or sometimes outside the Earth's magnetosphere. At the lowest frequencies they are often related to global oscillations of the magnetosphere, at higher frequencies they may be caused by cyclotron harmonic wave activity locally or removed from the point of observation. In both cases they are useful to diagnose the magnetosphere and its coupling to the interplanetary environment. Several techniques for frequency analysis are commonly used (e.g., Fourier transform, Wavelet transform, analytic signal etc.) and newer ones are regularly proposed. They each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. The present project aims to implement a toolbox for frequency analysis of satellite data and evaluate the different tools using known constructed signals as well as actual satellite data.

Familiarity with Matlab and knowledge of computational mathematics is essential. Basic knowledge of space physics is desirable.