A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 16200; Flight Crew Type 8100
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Aircraft
On departure out of SNA at approximately 1;800 feet AGL; we received a TCAS RA alert with guidance to decrease the rate of climb.  A target was highlighted in red on the PFD; and indicated directly above our aircraft with a 500 foot separation.  The TCAS RA audio and visual indications depicted a decrease in the rate of climb.  When the TCAS announced 'Clear of Conflict;' I informed ATC of our TCAS event; and said we had to lower the nose to decrease our rate of climb to avoid the traffic.  At no time did we acquire a visual sighting of the target aircraft.  I queried the Controller about the traffic; and asked if he had detected a target 500 feet directly above us.  He said no; the nearest target was about 2 miles north of our position.  I do not recall if he mentioned an altitude of that target; or not.  We continued with the departure and were switched to LAX Center.  After about 5 or 10 minutes; I attempted to contact the Departure Control on our VHF 2 radio to inform of my intent to file a NMAC report; but never received a reply.  I asked the LAX Center Controller if she would pass back to the Departure Control our intent to file a NMAC; and she said she would do so.
A319 Captain experiences a TCAS RA departing SNA for traffic 500 feet above requiring a decrease in the rate of climb. ATC advised that there was no traffic within two NM.