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Ann. Geophys., 24, 2419-2427, 2006
www.ann-geophys.net/24/2419/2006/
© European Geosciences Union 2006
Phase calibration of the EISCAT Svalbard Radar interferometer using optical satellite signatures
J. M. Sullivan1, N. Ivchenko2, M. Lockwood3, T. Grydeland4, E. M. Blixt4, and B. S. Lanchester1
1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
2Alfvén Laboratory KTH, Stockholm, Sweden
3Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
4Dept. of Physics and Technology, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
Abstract. The link between natural ion-line enhancements in radar spectra
and auroral activity has been the subject of recent studies but
conclusions have been limited by the spatial and temporal
resolution previously available. The next challenge is to use
shorter sub-second integration times in combination with
interferometric programmes to resolve spatial structure within the
main radar beam, and so relate enhanced filaments to individual
auroral rays.
This paper presents initial studies of a technique, using optical
and spectral satellite signatures, to calibrate the received phase
of a signal with the position of the scattering source along the
interferometric baseline of the EISCAT Svalbard Radar. It is shown
that a consistent relationship can be found only if the satellite
passage through the phase fringes is adjusted from the passage
predicted by optical tracking. This required adjustment is
interpreted as being due to the vector between the theoretical
focusing points of the two antennae, i.e. the true radar
baseline, differing from the baseline obtained by survey between
the antenna foot points. A method to obtain a measurement of the
true interferometric baseline using multiple satellite passes is
outlined.
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