Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)

 

TITLE

Atmospheric Attenuation of Microwave Power [PDF]

AUTHORS

Vincent J. Falcone, Jr.

1970

5

4

269-278

YEAR

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGES

 

Abstract

Large earth satellite power stations have been proposed to convert solar energy to microwave energy and to transmit it to earth receiving stations. What wavelength region and how large a power density can be transmitted from the satellite power station to earth without significant interaction and subsequent loss of energy to the earth's atmosphere is discussed. In the wavelength region of 3-30 cm, three attenuation mechanisms are investigated: nonlinear phenomena of the ionosphere, gaseous attenuation of water vapor and oxygen, and hydrameteor attenuation of clouds and rain, It is concluded that for power densities of 0.01 w/cm², the optimum wavelength region for transmission of microwave power through the earth's atmosphere is the 10 cm region.