Influence of Long-range Ionospheric and Atmospheric Effects on Surveillance and Communication Systems

ABSTRACT:Abstract: Electromagnetic signals used in communications and sensor systems can be seriously impacted after propagation through a region of the atmosphere or ionosphere disturbed by turbulence. This work will develop new physics-based technology that calculates EM propagation from HF to laser frequencies, including the effects of turbulence with long correlation length in the direction of propagation. The work will combine the existing NWRA ray-trace code with a new 3D multiple phase screen calculation that will run on Air Force high power computers to achieve improvement by factors of 10 to 100 in spatial and temporal resolution. The end product will calculate realizations of the propagating EM field, including the effects of refraction, reflection, magneto-ionic coupling, and ionospheric and atmospheric turbulence.BENEFIT:Commercial benefits: This 3D EM propagation code will support sensor and communication systems including NGOTHR, MUOS, P-band space based radar, directed energy systems, high-energy laser, airborne laser weapon systems, tactical laser, cruise missile, ballistic missile, and drone defense and directed energy weapons. This support is valuable and will allow improved system development with comprehensive mitigation of propagation disturbances.