Evan J. Dutton and Charles Samora

Abstract: The attenuation of a received signal on a millimeter wave (above 30 GHz) link probably will be considerably more sensitive to transmitted polarization of the signal than is the case on a microwave (below 30 GHz) link. The introduction of this report explains why this is the case, and the second section of the report gives some background on past theoretical developments in assessing rain polarization effects. Then, a model is developed to more readily assess the rain attenuation polarization dependency, and this new model is compared with an accepted theoretical model. It is concluded, based on three separate sets of comparisons, that the model gives results close enough to the theoretical model to warrant consideration for its future use.

Keywords: microwaves; millimeter waves; rain attenuation; models; oblate spheroids; polarization effects

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be 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.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

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