Theory and practice of ionosphere study by Thomson scatter radar

Abstract

The application of Thomson (or incoherent) Scatter observations to the study of the earth's ionosphere is described. Those aspects of theory of Thomson Scatter that have been put to practical use in ionospheric investigations are reviewed briefly and the type of radar equipment constructed for these investigations is discussed. Methods of measuring electron density, electron and ion temperatures, and ionic composition are then reviewed. Other applications of the technique--to the study of the neutral density and temperature of the upper atmosphere, drift motions, the flux density of fast photoelectrons, and the orientation of the earth's magnetic field--are also described.