NTIA Report TR-89-249

Millimeter-Wave Propagation in the Mesosphere

September 1989

George A. Hufford and Hans J. Liebe

Abstract: At heights between 30 and 100 km above Earth, the oxygen absorption lines near 60 GHz together with the geomagnetic field cause the atmosphere to become an anisotropic medium. This report discusses why this is so and how to compute the consequent effects. It describes the computer program ZEEMAN, which allows the user to display in either graphical or tabular form many aspects of how radio waves propagate through this medium.

Keywords: anisotropic media; mesosphere; millimeter waves; oxygen absorption lines; polarization; radio propagation; Zeeman effect

• Title Page; Preface; Contents; List of Figures; List of Tables

• Chapter 1: Introduction; Chapter 2: The Oxygen Absorption Lines Near 60 GHz

• Chapter 3: Radio Wave Propagation in the Anisotropic Mesosphere

• Chapter 4: Features of the Program "ZEEMAN"; Chapter 5: Conclusions; Chapter 6: Acknowledgment; Chapter 7: References

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software are identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

To request a reprint of this report, contact:
Margaret Luebs, Publications Officer
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
Voice: (303) 497-3572
info@its.bldrdoc.gov

For technical information concerning this report, contact:
George Hufford, retired Mathematician
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
Voice: (303) 497-3457
ghufford@its.bldrdoc.gov