Spectral analysis, based on the Fourier method, is a general tool in physics. Wavelets appeared as a natural generalization of classical spectral analysis to the case of complex nonstationary and spatially inhomogeneous systems, for which a comparison with an infinite sinusoid, which forms the basis of the Fourier method, has to be replaced by a comparison with a finite wave packet, which is known as a wavelet. In this review, the authors, based largely on their own experience of application wavelet analysis in astro- and geophysics, solar-terrestrial relations, as well as climatology, medical physics, and laboratory hydrodynamic experiments, demonstrate the possibilities and discuss the practical aspects of the application of the wavelet apparatus to the interpretation of signals and images of various physical natures.

Keywords: wavelets, spectral analysis, data processing for signals and images, solar and stellar activity, galactic magnetic fields, geophysics, medical physics PACS: 47.27.er, 95.75.−z (all) DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.2020.10.038859 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2022/1/d/ 000788597000004 2-s2.0-85128540479 2022PhyU...65...62F Citation: Frick P G, Sokoloff D D, Stepanov R A "Wavelets for the space-time structure analysis of physical fields" Phys. Usp. 65 62–89 (2022) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Received: 8th, August 2020, revised: 20th, October 2020, accepted: 25th, October 2020 Оригинал: Фрик П Г, Соколов Д Д, Степанов Р А «Вейвлет-анализ пространственно-временной структуры физических полей» УФН 192 69–99 (2022); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.2020.10.038859