A Radio Frequency Path Characterization System for Research on Quantifying Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Through the Lower Atmosphere
Abstract
We propose to acquire three instruments to enhance our measurement capability to sample the atmosphere and the radio frequency propagation loss in order to assess the impact of the atmosphere on Electromagnetic wave (EM) propagation. The scanning wind lidar will extend our ship/land based wind measurements to the upper atmospheric boundary layer and above to allow quantification of the atmospheric mechanical forcing of turbulence, which is extremely important in the stable boundary layers. The two mobile towers will significantly enhance our current surface tower-based measurements to allow the flexibility to sample spatial variations while minimally impact the local soil and vegetation. And the EM propagation loss measurement system (PLMS) will characterize the propagation loss concurrent in time and location with the wind lidar and other supporting measurements along the designated path. The atmospheric effect on EM propagation is one of the thrust areas following the US Navy s strategy on Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare (EMW). To this end, effective sampling with sufficient spatial/temporal coverage and accuracy are crucial first steps to quantify the atmospheric refractive environment. The proposing PIs are a collaborative team from Moss Landing Marine Labs (MLML) and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) involved in multiple ONR-sponsored research projects. The proposed instruments complement the existing measurement capability of the team to fully quantify the atmospheric propagation and its environmental conditions. The instruments will initially be used to support the ONR sponsored Radar and Electromagnetic Ducting in the Stable Atmosphere over Water (REDSAW) project during spring/summer of 2023 and will be used in future field campaigns of the Coastal Land-Air-Sea Interaction (CLASI) project, an ONR Departmental Research Initiative (DRI) focusing on improving environmental forecast EM propagation conditions in the coastal region. We alsoplan to use the instruments/equipment to support two other projects focusing on fog development and forecast in the coastal zone and over the open ocean.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312847
Entities
People
- Qing Wang
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- San José State University
- United States Navy