Use of the three‐dimensional covariance matrix in analyzing the polarization properties of plane waves

A technique for analyzing the polarization properties of plane waves that offers a number of advantages over methods currently used in the analysis of both ground and satellite observations of waves is developed. This technique reduces the computations required to find the wave normal vector, is less sensitive to common noise sources, and is amenable to analog implementation. The technique here is applied specifically to the analysis of a proton whistler, but it can also be used in most studies of ULF, ELF, and VLF magnetic-wave phenomena.