Measurements and simulation of ionospheric scattering on VHF and UHF radar signals : channel scattering function

Rogers, Neil and Cannon, Paul and Groves, Keith (2009) Measurements and simulation of ionospheric scattering on VHF and UHF radar signals : channel scattering function. Radio Science, 44 (1): RS0A07. ISSN 0048-6604

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Abstract

The design and operation of transionospheric VHF and UHF radars requires knowledge of amplitude and phase scintillation due to ionospheric scattering. Phase coherence is of particular importance where long coherent integration periods and large bandwidths are required. A thin phase screen, parabolic equation based, Trans-Ionospheric Radio Propagation Simulator (TIRPS) is described. Modeled channel scattering functions (CSFs) are compared to experimental VHF and UHF data derived from the Advanced Research Projects Agency Long-range Tracking and Instrumentation Radar on Kwajalein Island (9.4°N, 166.8°E). TIRPS quantitatively reproduces the experimental results, including the quasi-parabolic profile observed in the measured CSFs under strong turbulence conditions. Variations in the simulated CSF with ionospheric phase screen parameters are also presented. Under conditions of high integrated strength of turbulence (CkL), a low phase spectral index (p = 1), indicating relatively dense small-scale irregularities, produces pronounced range spreading. Conversely, when the spectral index is high (p = 4), indicative of strong focusing/defocusing by large-scale irregularities, there is increased Doppler spreading and, when the outer scale of irregularities is large, a greater likelihood of asymmetry of the CSF about the zero Doppler axis.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Radio Science
Additional Information:
Copyright 2009 by the American Geophysical Union.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3100/3105
Subjects:
?? ionosphereradarscintillationinstrumentationcomputers in earth sciencesgeochemistry and petrologycomputer networks and communicationsgeophysicsatmospheric science ??
ID Code:
67146
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
11 Oct 2013 10:25
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 14:18