Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar Research Articles

Метод эффективных вычитаний: работа с данными Иркутского радара некогерентного рассеяния

For incoherent scatter measurements, the effective subtraction technique is to alternate the duration of amplitude-modulated signals between a pair of consequently radiated pulses. The resulting gain of spatial resolution enables us to steadily assess the electron density profile by the Faraday rotation method. The paper describes the electron density measurement technique, which involves analyzing narrow-band signals from Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar, and proposes an automated method of determining the electron density for the problem in which the convolution of the radiated signal waveform with backscatter signal cannot be neglected. The inverse problem of electron density recovery is considered as a standard nonlinear optimization problem, which is solved using the algorithms for global and local optimization applied consequently. We compare the electron density profiles obtained by analyzing different pulse waveforms and from Irkutsk ionosonde data.

Effective subtraction technique: implementation for Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar

For incoherent scatter measurements, the effective subtraction technique is to alternate the duration of amplitude-modulated signals between a pair of consequently radiated pulses. The resulting gain of spatial resolution enables us to steadily assess the electron density profile by the Faraday rotation method. The paper describes the electron density measurement technique, which involves analyzing narrow-band signals from Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar, and proposes an automated method of determining the electron density for the problem in which the convolution of the radiated signal waveform with backscatter signal cannot be neglected. The inverse problem of electron density recovery is considered as a standard nonlinear optimization problem, which is solved using the algorithms for global and local optimization applied consequently. We compare the electron density profiles obtained by analyzing different pulse waveforms and from Irkutsk ionosonde data.

Correlation analysis of solar flux absolute measurements at 161 and 245 MHz

Solar emission in meter waves originates from upper layers of the solar corona. We present absolute measurements of solar flux from Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar (161 MHz frequency) and Learmonth Observatory (245 MHz frequency). We perform correlation analysis to investigate the relation between solar flux values at different frequencies. Background emission of the quiet Sun is within the expected limits. We examine the behavior of background and slowly-varying emission components during a solar cycle. By comparing the Pearson correlation coefficient with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient, we have found that the dependence of the meter flux on the F10.7 index is non-linear. The correlation between solar flux measurements at 161 and 245 MHz appeared to be lower than that with the F10.7 index. Analysis of daily correlation and autocorrelation shows a diurnal variation that introduces an error into the measurements.

Корреляционный анализ абсолютных измерений солнечного потока на частотах 161 и 245 МГц

Solar emission in meter waves originates from upper layers of the solar corona. We present absolute measurements of solar flux from Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar (161 MHz frequency) and Learmonth Observatory (245 MHz frequency). We perform correlation analysis to investigate the relation between solar flux values at different frequencies. Background emission of the quiet Sun is within the expected limits. We examine the behavior of background and slowly-varying emission components during a solar cycle. By comparing the Pearson correlation coefficient with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient, we have found that the dependence of the meter flux on the F10.7 index is non-linear. The correlation between solar flux measurements at 161 and 245 MHz appeared to be lower than that with the F10.7 index. Analysis of daily correlation and autocorrelation shows a diurnal variation that introduces an error into the measurements.

LONG-TERM SOLAR FLUX OBSERVATIONS WITH IRKUTSK INCOHERENT SCATTER RADAR (IISR) IN 2011–2019

Irkutsk incoherent scatter radar (IISR) is an oblongish horn antenna that operates in a meter waveband (154–162 MHz), has a 0.5°×20° beam, and a frequency steering allowing us to tilt the beam by 30° to the south. Besides active measurements of ionospheric conditions and monitoring of space objects, the radar is regularly used for passive radio astronomical observations. From May to August, the Sun crosses the radar field of view and can be in the maximum of the radiation pattern for about two hours. The known shape of the radiation pattern and the high sensitivity of the receiver allow us to conduct calibrated measurements of the solar flux in solar flux units during this period. We have developed a new approach to the calibration, which can be applied to all IISR archival passive data. In the paper, we present long-term observations (2011–2019) of the solar flux in May and summer. We describe the measurement method, present daily average values of the solar flux for this period of passive measurements, and compare it with the solar activity F10.7 index and solar flux measurements made at the Australian observatory Learmonth at 245 MHz. We show that the daily average flux for the period of observations at a frequency of ~161 MHz generally has values from 5 to 10 sfu.

Длительные наблюдения солнечного потока в 2011–2019 гг. на Иркутском радаре некогерентного рассеяния (ИРНР)

Irkutsk incoherent scatter radar (IISR) is an oblongish horn antenna that operates in a meter waveband (154–162 MHz), has a 0.5°×20° beam, and a frequency steering allowing us to tilt the beam by 30° to the south. Besides active measurements of ionospheric conditions and monitoring of space objects, the radar is regularly used for passive radio astronomical observations. From May to August, the Sun crosses the radar field of view and can be in the maximum of the radiation pattern for about two hours. The known shape of the radiation pattern and the high sensitivity of the receiver allow us to conduct calibrated measurements of the solar flux in solar flux units during this period. We have developed a new approach to the calibration, which can be applied to all IISR archival passive data. In the paper, we present long-term observations (2011–2019) of the solar flux in May and summer. We describe the measurement method, present daily average values of the solar flux for this period of passive measurements, and compare it with the solar activity F10.7 index and solar flux measurements made at the Australian observatory Learmonth at 245 MHz. We show that the daily average flux for the period of observations at a frequency of ~161 MHz generally has values from 5 to 10 sfu.

Small-Scale Ionospheric Irregularities of Auroral Origin at Mid-latitudes during the 22 June 2015 Magnetic Storm and Their Effect on GPS Positioning

Small-scale ionospheric irregularities affect navigation and radio telecommunications. We studied small-scale irregularities observed during the 22 June 2015 geomagnetic storm and used experimental facilities at the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISTP SB RAS) located near Irkutsk, Russia (~52°N, 104°E). The facilities used were the DPS-4 ionosonde (spread-F width), receivers of the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar (Cygnus A signal amplitude scintillations), and GPS/GLONASS receivers (amplitude and phase scintillations), while 150 MHz Cygnus A signal recording provides a unique data set on ionosphere small-scale structure. We observed increased spread-F, Cygnus A signal amplitude scintillations, and GPS phase scintillations near 20 UT on 22 June 2015 at mid-latitudes. GPS/GLONASS amplitude scintillations were at a quiet time level. By using global total electron content (TEC) maps, we conclude that small-scale irregularities are most likely caused by the auroral oval expansion. In the small-scale irregularity region, we recorded an increase in the precise point positioning (PPP) error. Even at mid-latitudes, the mean PPP error is at least five times that of the quiet level and reaches 0.5 m.

FEATURES OF Ne RECOVERY AT THE IRKUTSK INCOHERENT SCATTER RADAR

The article presents a new method of restoring the electron density profile (Ne) according to data from the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar (IISR). This method has been developed taking into account the Faraday rotation of the polarization plane, which leads to fading at the output of the IISR linearly polarized antenna. The concept of the method consists in fitting a height variation of electron density by a parametric model. As the model, a combination of two Chapman layers was used. This approach made it possible to implement a fully automatic data processing mode and increase the stability of the recovery of the Ne profile, especially according to data obtained during a period of low solar activity when the signal-to-noise ratio is low. Accuracy was increased by eliminating a number of operations leading to instability of data recovery in the presence of noise. The new method enabled fully automatic processing of long data series in the period 2007–2015.

Особенности метода восстановления Ne на Иркутском радаре некогерентного рассеяния

The article presents a new method of restoring the electron density profile (Ne) according to data from the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar (IISR). This method has been developed taking into account the Faraday rotation of the polarization plane, which leads to fading at the output of the IISR linearly polarized antenna. The concept of the method consists in fitting a height variation of electron density by a parametric model. As the model, a combination of two Chapman layers was used. This approach made it possible to implement a fully automatic data processing mode and increase the stability of the recovery of the Ne profile, especially according to data obtained during a period of low solar activity when the signal-to-noise ratio is low. Accuracy was increased by eliminating a number of operations leading to instability of data recovery in the presence of noise. The new method enabled fully automatic processing of long data series in the period 2007–2015.

Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar: history, present and future

Abstract. The article focuses on the history of ionospheric research using the incoherent scatter method at the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics and development of the only incoherent scatter radar in Russia, which is located near Irkutsk. It describes the radar features and the current situation of research at the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar (IISR). Operating modes and types of measurements of the radar are specified. There is a brief description of the original measurement techniques that were developed considering the IISR features such as the frequency principle of scanning and receiving of one linear polarization of a scattered signal. The main feature of the IISR is the possibility of obtaining absolute values of the ionospheric plasma electron density. The automatic method for constructing the electron density vertical profile is based on registration of vertical profiles of a rotation phase of the polarization plane of a scattered signal. The method does not require calibration with additional facilities.

First results of absolute measurements of solar flux at the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar (IISR)

The Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar (IISR) allows us to carry out passive radio observations of the Sun and other powerful radio sources. We describe a method for absolute measurements of spectral flux density of solar radiation at IISR. The absolute measurements are meant to determine the flux density in physical units [W·m–2·Hz–1]. The IISR antenna is a horn with frequency beam steering, therefore radio sources can be observed at different frequencies. Also there is a polarization filter in the antenna aperture, which passes only single (horizontal) polarization. To acquire flux density absolute values, the IISR receiver is calibrated by the Cygnus-A radiation. Since the Sun’s position in the IISR antenna pattern is determined by a frequency differing from the Cygnus-A observation frequency, we perform an additional calibration of the frequency response in the 154–162 MHz operation frequency range, using the background sky noise. The solar disk size is comparable with the main beam width in the north—south direction, hence the need to take into account the shape of the brightness distribution in the operation frequency range. The average flux density of the quiet-Sun radiation was ~5 sfu (solar flux units, 10–22 W·m–2·Hz–1) at the 161 MHz frequency.

Первые результаты абсолютных измерений потока солнечного излучения на Иркутском радаре некогерентного рассеяния (ИРНР)

The Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar (IISR) allows us to carry out passive radio observations of the Sun and other powerful radio sources. We describe a method for absolute measurements of spectral flux density of solar radiation at IISR. Absolute measurements are meant to determine the flux density in physical units [W·m–2·Hz–1]. The IISR antenna is a horn with frequency beam steering, therefore radio sources can be observed at different frequencies. Also there is a polarization filter in the antenna aperture, which passes only single (horizontal) polarization. To acquire flux density absolute values, the IISR receiver is calibrated by the Cygnus-A radiation. Since the Sun’s position in the IISR antenna pattern is determined by a frequency differing from the Cygnus-A observation frequency, we perform an additional calibration of the antenna overall frequency response in the 154–162 MHz operation frequency range, using the background sky noise. The solar disk size is comparable with the main beam width in the north—south direction, hence the need to take into account the shape of the brightness distribution in the operation frequency range. The average flux density of the quiet-Sun radiation was ~5 sfu (solar flux units, 10–22 W·m–2·Hz–1) at the 161 MHz frequency.

Backscatter signal model for Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar

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.

Модель сигнала обратного рассеяния для Иркутского радара некогерентного рассеяния

The paper presents a backscatter signal model for Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar (IISR) and proposes a technique for solving the inverse scattering problem to obtain 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.

First Joint Observations of Radio Aurora by the VHF and HF Radars of the ISTP SB RAS

Two modern radars for diagnosis of the ionosphere by the radio-wave backscattering method, namely, the Irkutsk incoherent scatter radar at VHF (IISR, 154–162 MHz) and the Ekaterinburg coherent radar at HF (EKB, 8–20 MHz) are operated at the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISTP SB RAS). The paper analyzes the results of joint observations of strong scattering (radio aurora) on June 8, 2015. To determine the geographical position of the radio aurora, we developed original methods that take into account both the features of the radio-wave propagation and the features of the radar antenna systems. It is shown that there are areas where the spatial position of the HF and VHF radio aurora can coincide. This permits using the radars as a single complex for diagnosis of the characteristics of small-scale high-latitude irregularities in the ionospheric E and F layers. A comparative analysis of the characteristics and temporal dynamics of the radio-aurora region in the HF and VHF ranges is performed. Using the DMSP satellite data, it has been shown that the radio aurora dynamics during this experiment with the EKB radar can be related with the spatial dynamics of the localized area with high electric field, which moves from high to equatorial latitudes. It is found that due to the broader field of view, radio aurora at the HF radar was stably observed 6–12 min earlier than at the VHF radar. This permits using the EKB radar data for prediction of the radio-aurora detection by the IISR radar.

Modernization of the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar

We present the results of modernization of the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar’s control and acquisition system. The modernization was carried out using results of space experiments Plasma–Progress and Radar–Progress involving Progress cargo spacecraft. The modernization has improved the accuracy of radar measurements of low-orbit spacecraft. For example, with a signal-to-noise ratio equal to10, the accuracy of range and angle measurements is 100–300 m and 1–5 arc min.

Модернизация Иркутского радара некогерентного рассеяния

We present the results of modernization of the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar’s control and acquisition system. The modernization was carried out using results of space experiments “Plasma—Progress” and “Radar—Progress” involving Progress cargo spacecraft. The modernization has improved the accuracy of radar measurements of low-orbit spacecraft. For example, with a signal-to-noise ratio equal to10, the accuracy of range and angle measurements is 100–300 m and 1–5 arc min.

Relation of internal gravity wave anisotropy with neutral wind characteristics in the upper atmosphere

AbstractThis paper studies the interaction of internal gravity waves (IGW) with neutral wind using the statistics of traveling ionospheric disturbances (TID) from the Radio Physical Complex of the Institute of Solar‐Terrestrial Physics. The complex includes the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar (IISR), Irkutsk Ionosonde (DPS‐4), and Ekaterinburg HF Radar (EKB). The aim of this study is to give a common explanation for the TID azimuth distributions obtained with the IISR‐ionosonde and HF coherent radar and show that the measurements of 3‐D TID characteristics put into the hands of researchers an important tool to study neutral wind in the thermosphere. The distinctive features of this study are the following: (1) using different TID statistics from independent tools and, correspondingly, independent methods for determining TID characteristics; (2) using the 3‐D TID characteristics for testing the wind‐filtering hypothesis, which allows us to separate the IGW‐induced TIDs from TIDs of other nature and identify three TID types depending on their elevation angles; and (3) using the local time‐azimuth distribution of the TID number for testing the wind‐filtering hypothesis. This study allowed us to conclude that the observed IGW azimuth anisotropy can be mainly explained by the wind filtration mechanism with considering winds at 90–250 km heights. Using the 3‐D IGW characteristics allows us to estimate neutral wind parameters. Proposed methods are applicable for any tool which can obtain TID 3‐D characteristics. Using the proposed methods will enable us to organize a worldwide campaign to improve the existing neutral wind models.

Investigating the ionosphere response to exhaust products of “Progress” cargo spacecraft engines on the basis of Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar data

The FSUE Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TsNIIMash), Rocket and Space Corporation “Energia”, and Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ISTP SB RAS) jointly conducted the active space experiment “Radar-Progress” in 2007–2015. During this experiment, we used the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Ra-dar to study space-time characteristics of ionospheric disturbances generated by exhaust products of “Pro-gress” cargo spacecraft engines. As the basic effect dur-ing exhaust product injection we consider the formation of new centers for recombination of ambient iono-spheric ions O+ on molecules of water and carbon diox-ide. This produces an ionization “hole” in the region of injection. In nighttime conditions when the majority of experiments were performed, this hole was filled by hydrogen ions from the plasmasphere, thus the ion composition in the vicinity of the hole and incoherent scatter spectra were changed. For successful obser-vation of the ionization hole dynamics, the critical fac-tors are the degree of radar antenna diagram filling by exhaust products and the velocity of the thermospheric neutral wind, which makes exhaust gases move from the antenna diagram. These two factors lead to poor repeatability of successful experiments. Successful experiments recorded a decrease in electron density up to 35 % in the hole that existed for 30 min. The lifetime of the region with high concentration of H+ ions can be as long as one hour.

Исследование реакции ионосферы на продукты горения топлива при работе двигателей транспортных грузовых кораблей серии «Прогресс» по данным Иркутского радара некогерентного рассеяния

The FSUE Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TsNIIMash), Rocket and Space Corporation “Energia”, and Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ISTP SB RAS) jointly conducted the active space experiment “Radar-Progress” in 2007–2015. During this experiment, we used the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar to study space-time characteristics of ionospheric disturbances generated by exhaust products of “Progress” cargo spacecraft engines. As the basic effect during exhaust product injection we consider the formation of new centers for recombination of ambient ionospheric ions O+ on molecules of water and carbon dioxide. This produces an ionization “hole” in the region of injection. In nighttime conditions when the majority of experiments were performed, this hole was filled by hydrogen ions from the plasmasphere, thus the ion composition in the vicinity of the hole and incoherent scatter spectra were changed. For successful observation of the ionization hole dynamics, the critical factors are the degree of radar antenna diagram filling by exhaust products and the velocity of the thermospheric neutral wind, which makes exhaust gases move from the antenna diagram. These two factors lead to poor repeatability of successful experiments. Successful experiments recorded a decrease in electron density up to 35 % in the hole that existed for 30 min. The lifetime of the region with high concentration of H+ ions can be as long as one hour.