Incoherent scatter experiments at Jicamarca using alternating codes

An incoherent scatter experiment using alternating coded pulses has been im plemented at Jicamarca. The experiment is intended to facilitate aeronomy r esearch in the topside and protonosphere. By virtue of utilizing the full d uty cycle capabilities of the radar transmitter, the experiment has improve d sensitivity over the conventional double pulse experiment and permits mul tiple parameter estimation at protonospheric altitudes. Error analysis, inc luding the estimation of the complete error covariance matrix for the alter nating coded pulses, is discussed. Example density, temperature, and compos ition data illustrate the capabilities of the new experiment.