A spectral technique for the detection and correction of coherent interference effects on incoherent scatter radar power profiles

We report a scheme for the detection and removal of coherent interference from incoherent scatter radar power profile (total power versus range) results. Our approach depends on the availability of highly signal‐aliased power spectra formed at each range gate from the same data set that is employed to form the corresponding power profile point. We utilize the ratio R of the standard deviation of each power spectrum to its average to “measure” the degree of contamination by coherent interference. When interference exists, R is usually significantly larger than it is for the base statistical process. This fact is used to determine which spectra will be processed for interference removal. This approach has been verified experimentally and is now used on a “production” basis.