A PROPAGATION EXPERIMENT FOR MEASURING ELECTRON DENSITY IN THE D-REGION OF THE IONOSPHERE,
Abstract
Determination of the profile of electron density versus altitude for the D-region of the ionosphere is made difficult because of the large ratio of neutral particles to charged particles. Experimental techniques which have been useful in the higher regions have not proven suitable for use in the D-region. This report describes a propagation experiment which can provide measurements related to electron density versus altitude. The experiment requires that two, harmonically-related frequencies be transmitted from a rocket as the rocket travels through the D-region. Each signal is separated into ordinary and extraordinary waves by the gyrotropic medium, and each of the components is influenced differently as it propagates through the medium. When the signals are received on the ground, the various modes are identical and measurements are made of relative Doppler shift and of relative absorption which occurred in transit. The theory of the experiment is briefly outlined and the experimental system is described. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0664577
Entities
People
- Clay D. Westlund
- Craig Littlefield
Organizations
- University of Utah