HR: 1330h
AN: SA12B-1095    [PDF]
TI: New 430 MHz Radar Capabilities for Aeronomy at Arecibo Observatory
AU: * Sulzer, M P
EM: msulzer@naic.edu
AF: Arecibo Observatory, HC 3 Box 53995, Arecibo, PR 00612 United States
AU: Gonzalez, S
EM: sixto@niac.edu
AF: Arecibo Observatory, HC 3 Box 53995, Arecibo, PR 00612 United States
AU: Aponte, N
EM: naponte@naic.edu
AF: Arecibo Observatory, HC 3 Box 53995, Arecibo, PR 00612 United States
AU: Janches, D
EM: djanches@naic.edu
AF: Arecibo Observatory, HC 3 Box 53995, Arecibo, PR 00612 United States
AB: The Arecibo 430 MHz radar is overall the world's most sensitive instrument for incoherent scatter radar. Recent and ongoing improvements in hardware and signal processing allow new experiments, more flexible implementation of existing radar modes for better implementation of special experiments, and higher quality data in our World Day observations. These improvements include: The dual beam radar is a regular capability. Most World Days now use both the line feed and Gregorian radars to provide higher time resolution for vector velocity velocity measurements, better spatial sampling during rapidly varying storm conditions, and the capability to look at gradients that exist even under nominally quiet conditions. The dual beam capability is available to visiting scientists for D and E as well as F region studies. We are accomplishing upgrades to our data-taking system on an incremental basis. For example, we now take nearly all data in the raw data mode where all samples are stored on disk. For all but special experiments, processing occurs on a Linux pc in real time, but it is possible to reprocess if necessary. It is also possible to use data taken for one purpose for other purposes. For example, it is possible to use coded long pulse E region data to gather statistics on meteors. Our digital receiving system is nearing completion. It will replace our entire old IF and base band system (red panels). Set ups will consist only of cables to connect the receiver IFs and the transmitter samples to the new system, as well as the transmitter control connections. Special experiments will become standard. For example, it will be possible to get independent calibrations on the line feed and Gregorian radars using plasma line cut off and plasma line power profiles with no additional setup. Also, the extra stability of the digital system will make it easier to keep independent accurate calibrations during the night when plasma lines are not available. High resolution plasma line spectra will become available as a standard technique in the near future. The high bandwidth and large storage capabilities necessary to measure the entire IS spectrum (ion and electron components) above the F region peak will be available. We are developing a new World Day technique to take advantage of the new hardware; it will use modern inverse techniques to eliminate biases and new modulation sequences for best SNR. A poster at this meeting (Nikoukar et al.) describes this technique.
DE: 2400 IONOSPHERE
DE: 2494 Instruments and techniques
SC: SPA - Aeronomy [SA]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting