Forward Scattering Radar for Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays

摘要

The use of a monostatic radar for the detection of cosmic rays was first suggested by Blackett and Lovell in1941. Over the years that followed it became clear that this type of radar would require extremely high power transmittersand high gain antennas for its operation. The low Radar Cross Section (RCS) is due to the details of electromagneticwave scattering by the ionization electrons in the dense terrestrial atmosphere. A less known type of radar, bistaticradar, exhibits a strong enhancement in the RCS at forward directions. We present results of expected received powercalculations for a bistatic radar used in the detection of extensive cosmic ray showers. The rapid movement of the showerfront followed by extinction of ionization by electronegative oxygen contributes to the formation of a phase modulatedsignal at the receiver. The signal frequency versus time signature is characteristic for the ionization produced by extensivecosmic ray showers and will provide an optimal discrimination against spurious events.