Backscatter signal model for Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar

Abstract

The paper presents a backscatter signal model for Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar (IISR) and proposes a technique for solving the inverse problem of determining plasma temperatures from IISR data. This solution is validated by setting up the direct scattering problem and simulating it using the Monte-Carlo method. In addition, we can introduce known systematic error sources into the backscatter signal model. This enables us to determine which approaches can be used to recover temperatures correctly. The major task of this study is to identify and methodically correct the errors that can distort the obtained temperatures. We also report the results of testing of the developed technique for determining temperatures from IISR experimental data. The presented model and IISR experimental data can be used to validate techniques for determining other ionospheric plasma parameters.