Theory and observation of ionospheric plasma fluctuation dynamics

Abstract

Our intention in this paper is to give an introduction of the theory and practice of the Ionospheric Scatter Technique, with emphasis on the contributions it has, and it can make, in the more general field of Plasma Physics and in Fluctuation Theory in particular. The paper is addressed to the plasma physicist who is having his first contact with this technique. The theoretical base of the technique involves -as most problems of concern to Plasma Physics- cumbersome mathematics. We shall try to give sufficient heuristical insight into the theory and at the same time briefly present the solid theoretical and mathematical foundations on which is based.