A fast correlation method for studying drifting patterns associated with ionospheric irregularities

The method commonly used in the analysis of drifting patterns associated with ionospheric irregularities is the full-correlation method of Briggs, Phillips, and Shinn (1950, hereafter referred to as BPS). A full-correlation analysis requires lengthy calculations, even on a digital computer, as it involves repetitive calculations and complicated curve-fitting techniques. It is the purpose of this note to show that by extending the BPS analysis, (without making any additional assumptions), the computing time for the correlation method may be reduced considerably.