Correlation techniques in experimental plasma physics
E. Bickford Hooper · Plasma Physics · 1971
The processing of signals by means of correlation techniques is examined from the viewpoint of experimental plasma physics. The mathematical character of correlation analysis is discussed briefly. Applications are considered under five headings: averaging techniques in unstable plasmas, statistics in 'turbulent' plasmas, comparisons between measurements (e.g. at different points in plasmas), direct measurement of plasma properties, and measurements of dispersion relations and transfer functions in plasmas. Under each of these topics the pertinent literature and procedure are discussed, and additional examples provided. Correlation analysis is compared with spectral analysis to demonstrate the relative advantages of each.