Study of the lower ionosphere using partial reflection: 1. Experimental technique and method of analysis

Abstract

The amplitude of weak echoes partially reflected from ionization irregularities in the height range 50–100 km are recorded. By utilizing two frequencies, 2.66 and 6.27 Mc/s, and recording the amplitudes of both the ordinary and extraordinary component waves, information is obtained about electron density and electron collision frequency in this height range under both normal and abnormal conditions. The method of analysis (discussed in detail in this paper) is essentially similar to that developed by Gardner and Pawsey, except that the generalized magnetoionic formulas, which take into account the energy dependence of the collision cross section, are employed. The results being obtained are believed to be more accurate in detail than those obtained by other ground-based techniques.