Transionospheric Propagation Parameters Calculated from Empirical Electron Density Models Adapted to Realistic Conditions
Abstract
The "family" of "profiler" type models developed at the Institute for Geophysics, Astrophysics and Meteorology (IGAM) of the University of Graz and at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) at Trieste [NeQuick, COSTprof and NeUoG-plas, see, e.g. Hochegger et al., 2000] as well as the International Reference Ionosphere [IRI, see, e.g., Bilitza, 2001] allow to calculate all propagation parameters along chosen ray paths. As shown in the accompanying paper [Leitinger et al., 2006] the models can be updated to actual or to "realistic" conditions. They allow to calculate all propagation parameters (transionospheric propagation errors) along arbitrarily chosen ray paths. This paper deals with transionospheric propagation errors on the basis of the refractive indices for "monochromatic" radio waves in a magneto-plasma. The refractive indices are expanded in (1/f) series (f being transmitted signal frequency). Suitable signal combinations then provide the observable propagation effects. Because of the importance for ground reception of planetary radio waves this paper concentrates on the Faraday effect. For signal frequencies <30 MHz it is recommended to take into account higher order correction terms. For a signal frequency of 20 MHz examples are shown of the (first order) Faraday effect and of higher order terms both for vertical and for slant ray paths.
- Publication:
-
Planetary Radio Emissions VI
- Pub Date:
- 2006
- Bibcode:
- 2006pre6.conf..273L
- Keywords:
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- Ionosphere;
- electron density;
- magneto-plasma