Differential Phase Volume Model and Amplitude Measurements of Partial Reflections.
Abstract
The work presents a theoretical model of the differential phase experiment which accounts for scattering from a volume of irregularities. The expected value of the phase difference angle between ordinary and extraordinary mode partially reflected radio waves is derived and computer simulated data from several electron number density profiles are presented. The effect of the transmitter pulse length is clearly indicated and limitations of the theory in terms of probing frequency are discussed. An extensive effort was undertaken to investigate the nature of scattering of signals from the D-region. Numerous recordings of amplitude data were made, and the resulting data analysis shows that the amplitudes of partially reflected echoes obey a Rayleigh probability density function. This finding strongly supports the volume theory of this work. The study of amplitude data also shows that the D-region is generally quasi-static over a time period of 150 milliseconds during noon time and quiet ionospheric conditions. With this finding it is suggested that for a successful differential phase experiment and an improved differential absorption experiment a set of ordinary and extraordinary mode transmitted pulses should be transmitted within this time period. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 21, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0782921
Entities
People
- David B. Newman Jr
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University