EFFECTS OF PROPAGATION ON THE HIGH-FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION FROM LOW-ALTITUDE NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
Abstract
The high-frequency electromagnetic pulse radiation from nuclear explosions presents a possible detection mechanism for low-altitude or ground bursts as well as for bursts in outer space. This radiation propagates around the earth via ground wave or ionospheric reflection, and it is necessary to determine what effect this propagation will have on the received signals. The Memorandum first considers the attenuation of the pulse when it travels via ground wave. Effects of the height of the source are included. Severe selective attenuation does occur, with the higher frequency components suffering most. The ionospheric waves suffer relatively little attenuation, but are strongly dispersed, leading to limitations on the pulse length which can be resolved. The receiver bandwidth should be selected to match the ionospheric dispersion at the receiver frequency. From all these considerations, it is clear that propagation effects will very strongly modify the pulse shape and pulse amplitude relative to free space.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0625074
Entities
People
- W. Sollfrey
Organizations
- RAND Corporation