Statistical models for D‐region partial‐reflection experiments

A phenomenological model for D‐region partial‐reflection experiments, which includes the effects of turbulent scattering, measurement noise, and coherent returns, is examined. General results for the amplitude and phase‐difference statistics of the ordinary‐ and extraordinary mode signals are obtained. These results are specialized and discussed for cases in which either the measurement noise or the coherent‐signal component is insignificant. A possible criterion for discriminating between turbulence models and a single reflecting‐layer model on the basis of amplitude statistics is obtained.