Stratospheric scattering of radio waves and the Jicamarca radio telescope

Radar backscatter from the 15 to 35 km height range provides information about the dynamics and turbulent mixing of the stratosphere. The 3-dimensional space spectrum of turbulent fluctuations, the mean wind velocity, and the root-mean-square velocity fluctuations are directly related to the autocorrelation function of the scattered signals. The theory and mechanisms of stratospheric scattering of radio waves is discussed. The equipment and procedures used in previous experiments at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory are examined in detail, and are found to require modification in some cases. The theory of phased arrays is presented, and the correct and complete array factor pertinent to the Jicamarca antenna is derived. Information about the side lobes and precise positions of various beams is considered, and three beams are selected for use in a proposed stratospheric backscatter experiment. The phasing cables needed for the implementation of two off-vertical beams are available at the observatory, while new phasing cables must be manufactured for the realization of the vertical beam.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Natural Sciences

Grantor

Rice University

Year dc:date.issued

1977

Author dc:creator

• Fleisch, Daniel Alfred

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Gordon, William E.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1911/104100

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.rice.edu:1911/104100