Giant Jets as Higher Transverse Modes of an Open Cavity

Abstract

The spatial structure of giant blue jets in the upper atmospheric layers is considered on the basis of a nonlinear plasma waveguide model of electric gas breakdown. Laser analogues for such waves are proposed, and the azimuthally equidistant conical structure formed by the rays of a giant jet is explained. The field parameters and the electron density required for this process are estimated. Using the model proposed, requirements to the diagnostics of waves in the upper atmosphere are formulated. Similar models for analyzing thunderstorm phenomena in the lower atmosphere are offered.