Measurements of possible D- and E-region telecommunications effects during ionospheric heating
Abstract
Measurements were made of the effects that heating the ionosphere might have on the passage of radiowaves through the D and E regions. The effects of the solar power satellite microwave power beam on the lower ionosphere were simulated. The increased electron temperatures produced by a HF ionospheric heater caused cross modulation on certain radiowaves when the heater was rapidly modulated (the Luxembourg effect). Small amounts of cross modulation were detected at four frequencies between 60 kHz and 5 MHz. Attempts were made to detect phase path changes indicative of electron number density changes while the heater was slowly cycled on and off. No phase path changes was observed for radiowaves of frequency 10.2 or 60 kHz. If these results are extrapolated to the powers and frequency of the solar power satellite power beam, then no significant impact from D and E region modification on telecommunications services are expected.
- Publication:
-
Southwest Research Inst. Report
- Pub Date:
- February 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980sri..reptU....S
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Heating;
- D Region;
- E Region;
- Solar Power Satellites;
- Telecommunication;
- Electromagnetic Radiation;
- Electron Energy;
- Temperature Dependence;
- Wave Propagation;
- Communications and Radar