Two and three component direction-finding computations on whistlers using the matched filtering and parameter estimation method

Lichtenberger J., Tarcsai Gy., Hamar D., Smith A.J. and Yearby K.H

ABSTRACT

A detailed frequency analysis of the azimuthal bearing of whistlers by the modified MFPE method (Lichtenberger et al., 1987) based on two and three component digital recordings is presented. Theoretical model calculations by Strangeways (1980) and Strangeways and Rycroft (1980) on systematic azimuthal bearing errors of direction finding systems are confirmed. Furthermore, the usage of direction finding systems based on three measured components that do not suffer from polarization error, have no advantage, and are inferior to simple crossed-loop goniometer systems. The MFPE method simulating the latter one can be used as a tool in investigating whistler ducts and hence plasmaspheric drifts. An example of this is also presented.