An analytical 1D model based on the WKB approximation is used to study the properties of a short pulse reflectometry diagnostic in a magnetic fusion device. Expressions linking the pulse delay with the parameters of the turbulence near the cut-off layer are derived for both ordinary and extraordinary polarizations of the probing beam. These results are used to develop a method for measuring the turbulence amplitude and the radial correlation length. The analytical conclusions and the proposed method are validated using full-wave numerical modelling. The latter is also used to study the limitations of the method and potential experimental effects not included in the reduced model.